Nov 10 – You Shall Not Take It in Vain!

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain” (Exodus 20:7).

Today, a terrible evil is spreading like an epidemic within the Christian community. We see many false prophets who repeatedly take the Lord’s name in vain, saying, “The Lord said, the Lord said,” even when the Lord has not spoken.

A sister who organised a fasting meeting claimed that the Lord had spoken to her and told her that sixty-five people would attend. Accordingly, she had purchased sixty-five loaves of bread to distribute after the meeting. However, nearly seventy-five people turned up. Only then did it become evident that the sister had falsely spoken in the name of the Lord.

Similarly, another sister told a pregnant woman that the Lord had revealed a specific month and date on which she would give birth to a baby boy. But the appointed month and date passed without the child being born. When the baby was eventually born on another date, it was a girl. This caused the mother’s faith to be shaken.

In the same way, some marriage brokers, eager to arrange a marriage, boldly utter a thousand false prophecies for a fee, claiming, “The Lord said.” There is no doubt that they will have to face God’s wrath, His sharp, double-edged sword, and His severe judgment.

There are three main reasons why many people say, “The Lord said.” First, they seek to fulfil their own selfish interests. Second, when they claim that the Lord has spoken, others hesitate to question or oppose them. Third, claiming that the Lord speaks to them brings them prestige. The truth, however, is that they are recklessly engaging in an extremely dangerous practice.

Even if the Lord speaks to you, do not publicise it as though the whole world must know. Humbly thank the Lord and keep the matter within your heart. Instead of declaring, “The Lord said,” it is more appropriate to say, “I feel prompted in my heart,” “I sense this inwardly,” or “I believe this may be the Lord’s way.”

Children of God, then your feet will not be caught in snares, and you will preserve your soul from danger. Above all, the name of the Lord will be glorified.

Verse for further meditation: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).