The Third Commandment: Exodus 20:7

Exodus 20

7 You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.


To know what is 'wrong', we first need to know what is 'right'.

So how is a person supposed to USE the name of God? In praise, in worship of His majesty, in calling out to Him, and in sharing it with others who are seeking Him.

ANY other use of His name is wrong. His name is not an exclamation of disgust, anger or dismay. Nor is it a casual exclamation of surprise or even delight. It is not a profanity. It is not for joking. It is not a name for a person or pet. It is not part of a brand name. It is not for fad clothing and jewelry.

And remember, the LORD has many names. All aspects of His three-fold person are God.

Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Another thought came to me. What about those 'cute' substitutions for His name? "Gosh darn" comes to mind. You very well know what that refers to. What about abbreviating it? "GD". Ditto. It's my opinion that since I know what it is substituting for, it is also wrong to use. Again, there is that appearance. That moment of dishonoring. So not worth it.

And by the way, thinking it is the same as saying it...