Before I move on to commandment three, I have one last thing to say about commandment two and how it connects to co-dependency. Basically, if I should today get a picture of Jesus when I am convicted that such a thing does indeed paint a graven image of him, then it would be another example of me thinking that I know what I'm doing better than God does. That is classic co-dependent.
Okay, commandment three: You shall not take the Lord's name in vain.
The most common example is when someone at school or work or on TV says, "O my God!" and has no plan on talking to God about this. She uses his name without really meaning it. This is a serious offense to our Lord. It's even worse when people move on from God to Jesus's name. Seriously, why do people think it is alright to take the name of the man who left his glorious throne, lived as a human, and died to take away your deserved punishment for your sins as if it is the name of your dog or as if it's a curse word or as if it is his fault that you had to say whatever you said? Jesus has done everything for you and deserves only your complete praise.
How can misuse of God's name tie into co-dependency? Let's look at my job. I play music for the kids at the CCS afterschool. I do a mix of old songs, new songs, cool songs, odd song. I mostly do Christian songs so that there is no mistake that I love Jesus. The kids on the other hand, react in as many different ways. Some sing along and love the songs. Some sing in a mocking manner. Some simply lay their heads on the desk and look bored.
One time, one kid was there who normally loves Jesus but also likes to try to fit in with the cool culture. I'm singing some of the best songs, and she has her head on the desk like I'm the incarnation of Barney the Dinosaur. I tell her, "Get over yourself!" Now, that is advice many people, including myself need. But at the same time, I have no idea of her home situation, whether her parents are going through anything, if she's faced some tragedy, etc. And as a representative of Jesus, saying words like that can tarnish his name. I took God's name in vain. And I still have not been able to amend for that.
Praise God for his endless mercy and grace because I am much more careful in what I say to these kids. I must not lose my temper. I must not work as if I'm the only one that can fix hearts and attitudes. Only Jesus can do that. And he continues to change my heart so that I can represent him better.
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