Hallowed or In Vain?

The Lord’s Prayer begins, “Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9). The term “hallowed” and the word “holy” comes from the same root word. It means “apart, or sanctified.” God’s name is thus hallowed. In other words, we’re not to mix up God’s name with anyone else’s name. We’re not to lump Him in with others or to toss His name out lightly. God’s names are hallowed.

They are to be honored, respected, and treated with the reverence they deserve. For example, if the president of the United States or the governor of your state were to walk into a room, you wouldn’t address him or her by his or her first name. The position demands a certain level of recognition. You wouldn’t say, “Hey, Dude, what’s up?” You would place the title in front of the name and speak it with respect…

Taking God’s name in vain is the opposite of hallowing it. The word “vain” means “empty, or without meaning.” It describes something as having no substance or even having a detriment. It has to do with using God’s name in a way that’s inconsistent with His personhood. It involves stripping away the value that belongs to His name.