Chapter 5: Honouring God’s Name — Speech, Reverence, and Public Witness

Kingdom Ethics and the Ten Commandments Today

Relevance for the Church, Culture Wars, Law vs. Grace, and Christian Discipleship

This chapter focuses on the Second Commandment — “You shall not make for yourself an idol… or bow down to them or worship them” (Exod. 20:4–6) — and its application for speech, reverence, and public witness in contemporary Christian life.

1. Introduction

The Second Commandment complements the First by focusing not only on idolatry of objects or powers but also on how God’s name is treated:

“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.”
— Exodus 20:7 (NRSV)

In a modern context, this extends beyond overt blasphemy to include everyday speech, integrity, and public witness. Kingdom ethics call for a life of reverence, where God’s name is honoured in thought, word, and deed.

2. Original Context of the Commandment

2.1. Ancient Israel

In Israel, God’s name represented His character, presence, and covenant authority. To misuse it was to diminish God’s reputation and undermine His authority (Lev. 19:12; Deut. 28:58).

2.2. Cultural Importance

Names held power in the ancient Near East. Using God’s name inappropriately or swearing falsely was both a social and spiritual offence, threatening communal integrity and divine blessing.

3. Jesus’ Teaching on Reverence

Jesus intensifies the call to respect God’s name by connecting it to heart-level holiness:

“Out of the heart come evil thoughts… false witness, slander. These are what defile a person.”
— Matthew 15:19–20

Reverence is not only about words; it is about intentionality, integrity, and life alignment with God’s character.

4. Speech and Kingdom Ethics

4.1. Everyday Language

Kingdom ethics emphasise that Christians’ speech reflects their devotion:

  • Avoiding profanity, slander, and gossip (Eph. 4:29)
  • Speaking truth in love (Col. 4:6)
  • Testifying to God’s goodness publicly (Matt. 5:16)

4.2. Public Witness

The commandment also concerns how believers represent God in society:

  • Upholding justice and fairness (Mic. 6:8)
  • Demonstrating honesty in professional and civic life
  • Acting as a living testimony to God’s holiness

5. Misuse of God’s Name in Modern Culture

5.1. Casual Profanity

Society often treats God’s name lightly or irreverently, reducing the sacred to slang. Kingdom ethics call believers to restore reverence in all forms of communication.

5.2. Misrepresentation

False teaching or misrepresentation of God’s character — in media, politics, or even church life — also violates the commandment. Paul warns:

“Do not distort the word of God”
— 2 Corinthians 4:2

5.3. Social Media and Digital Platforms

Digital communication amplifies both truth and falsehood. Christians must consider:

  • How their words reflect God’s character
  • Avoiding false or inflammatory statements that misrepresent God

6. The Spirit and Reverence

The Holy Spirit enables believers to:

  • Maintain integrity in speech (Eph. 4:25)
  • Develop godly character in both private and public life (Gal. 5:22–23)
  • Discern truth from deception, particularly in digital spaces (John 16:13)

Reverence for God’s name becomes internalised, moving from legalistic fear to heart-level devotion.

7. Practical Kingdom Ethics

7.1. Daily Practices

  • Speak God’s name with intentional reverence
  • Avoid language that diminishes God’s authority or misleads others
  • Engage in truthful, constructive dialogue online and offline

7.2. Corporate Witness

  • Churches should cultivate a culture of integrity and respect
  • Public engagement should reflect God’s holiness and justice
  • Educate younger generations on the weight and power of speech

8. Conclusion

The Second Commandment reminds believers that God’s name is sacred, and that all speech and action should reflect His character. Kingdom ethics transforms obedience to this commandment into practical living, guiding how Christians communicate, testify, and witness in a complex cultural landscape.

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.”
— Colossians 4:6

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