“Holy and reverend is his name” (Psalm 111:9, KJV).

ABSTRACT

The article “THIRD COMMANDMENT: A UNIVERSAL CALL TO HOLINESS!” emphasizes the call to reverence God’s name as commanded in the Third Commandment, extending beyond speech into every aspect of life. Scripture and inspired counsel highlight that true reverence flows from humility, awe, and recognition of God’s holiness, shaping daily devotion, fostering communal unity, and influencing society with moral integrity. Honoring His name reflects His love, builds trust, and inspires righteous living, creating harmony in personal, church, and public life. By treating God’s name with sacred respect, believers align with His divine authority and reflect His character to the world.

DIVINE LAWS: HONOR THE SACRED NAME!

Reverence for God’s name unites us across boundaries, drawing the community into a profound commitment to holiness through the Third Commandment’s timeless directive. This sacred principle challenges us to honor God fully in every thought, word, and action, shaping our personal devotion, strengthening communal bonds, and influencing society with divine integrity. Scripture declares, “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him” (Psalm 89:7, KJV), while a prophetic voice affirms, “Reverence should be shown also for the name of God. Never should that name be spoken lightly or thoughtlessly” (Education, p. 242, 1903). Through inspired counsel, we learn, “Every child should be taught to show true reverence for God. Never should His name be spoken lightly or thoughtlessly. Angels, as they speak it, veil their faces in respect; and when we as finite beings, unworthy of the least consideration, repeat that name, we should bow in humility of spirit, conscious of our own unworthiness” (Prophets and Kings, p. 48, 1917). These truths reveal how revering God’s name fosters deeper intimacy with Him and radiates His love outward. How does this divine command ignite reverence in our everyday lives?

The reverence for God’s name transcends denominations, cultures, and religious practices, uniting us under a shared call to holiness. This principle, rooted in the Third Commandment, challenges us to honor God in thought, word, and deed. This blog explores how revering God’s name impacts personal faith, communal relationships, and society at large. Guided by biblical truths and the inspired writings of Ellen G. White, we will uncover the profound connection between this commandment and God’s love. “Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:30, KJV) underscores our duty to sacred observance, as “A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the Lord of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?” (Malachi 1:6, KJV) calls us to familial awe. In Patriarchs and Prophets, we read, “The name of God, given to Moses to express the truth of the living God, is a symbol of His character” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 35, 1890). Sr. White further illuminates, “Those who are brought into covenant relation with God are pledged to speak His name in a reverent manner and with an awe-inspired humility” (My Life Today, p. 29, 1952). Such guidance aligns our hearts with eternal truths, building unshakeable trust in His care. What lifestyle choices embody this reverence in our routine moments?

THE THIRD COMMANDMENT: REVERENCE’S THUNDER!

“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain” (Exodus 20:7, KJV) commands us to uphold the sanctity of God’s name. This directive extends beyond speech, encompassing every aspect of life. Ellen G. White writes, “The name of God is holy and reverend. It should not be spoken lightly or thoughtlessly” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 306, 1890). The reverence due to God’s name reflects His divine authority as Creator and Redeemer. When we treat His name with respect, we align ourselves with His will, ensuring that every interaction we have glorifies Him. Such reverence builds our relationship with God, fostering trust and dependence under His care, as Ruth 2:12 reminds us: “The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.” “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28, KJV) urges steadfast worship, while “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7, KJV) links awe to wisdom’s foundation. Through inspired counsel, a passage from Child Guidance reminds us, “Reverence should be shown also for the name of God. Never should that name be spoken lightly or thoughtlessly” (Child Guidance, p. 538, 1954). Sr. White adds, “The name of God is holy and must not be used lightly, profanely, nor vainly” (The Signs of the Times, November 3, 1887). These eternal principles transform our conduct, drawing us closer to His heart. How does this personal honor ripple into our shared community life?

DAILY LIVING: REVERENCE IGNITES ACTION!

Revering God’s name is a lifestyle choice that demonstrates our respect for His holiness. The Song of Solomon poetically describes this reverence: “Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee” (Song of Solomon 1:3). This metaphor likens God’s name to a fragrant ointment, evoking purity, healing, and delight. Sr. White reinforces this by asserting, “True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence” (Education, p. 242, 1903). By prioritizing God’s presence in our daily actions, we reflect His holiness, inspire others, and grow spiritually. Such commitment transforms our ordinary moments into acts of worship. “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:12, KJV) guides righteous living, as “Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him” (Psalm 33:8, KJV) calls for universal awe. In a passage from My Life Today, we read, “Reverence for the House of God, October 9. Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord” (My Life Today, p. 291, 1952). The inspired pen declares, “True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence. . . . The hour and place of prayer become sacred” (Education, p. 243, 1903). Daily awe elevates our routines, infusing them with eternal purpose. In what ways does communal harmony flow from this individual devotion?

COMMUNITY: UNITY’S HOLY BOND!

The way we honor God’s name also affects our relationships within faith communities. When we uphold His name, we create an atmosphere of mutual respect and unity. Sr. White observes, “The influence of a holy life is the strongest argument in favor of Christianity” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 46, 1890). This influence becomes evident when we collectively reflect God’s love in our words and actions. As a community, we demonstrate our reverence by fostering harmony, forgiving grievances, and holding each other accountable to live under God’s authority. This collective effort mirrors Christ’s love, drawing others to God’s kingdom. “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” (Ephesians 5:21, KJV) fosters mutual submission, while “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king” (1 Peter 2:17, KJV) balances reverence with respect. A prophetic voice once wrote, “Reverence is inspired by a sense of God’s greatness and a realization of His presence—Another precious grace that should be carefully cherished is reverence” (Pastoral Ministry, p. 249, 1995). Through inspired counsel, we are told, “The precincts of the church should be invested with a sacred reverence. It should not be made a place to meet old friends and visit” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 492, 1885). United awe strengthens our bonds, amplifying God’s presence among us. How does this communal witness reveal the depths of God’s love?

GOD’S LOVE: REVERENCE’S HEARTBEAT!

The Third Commandment not only requires obedience but also reveals God’s love. By commanding us to honor His name, God invites us into a deeper relationship with Him. This relationship is built on trust and respect, much like the care described in Ruth 2:12. Sr. White explains, “To love Him and to obey His commandments is the highest duty of every intelligent being” (Steps to Christ, p. 97, 1892). When we reverence His name, we affirm His love by aligning our lives with His divine purpose. This alignment brings peace, purpose, and joy, enabling us to experience the fullness of God’s love and reflect it to the world. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV) embodies sacrificial love, as “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 103:8, KJV) highlights compassionate awe. In The Desire of Ages, a passage reminds us, “The last like the first sentence of the Lord’s Prayer, points to our Father as above all power and authority and every name that is named” (The Desire of Ages, p. 670, 1898). Sr. White affirms, “Love Is the Fulfilling of the Law. And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments” (Sons and Daughters of God, p. 60, 1955). Divine love through reverence fills us with transformative joy. How might this love challenge societal norms today?

SOCIETY: REVERENCE’S WORLD SHAKE!

The importance of honoring God’s name extends to societal interactions. Disrespect for His name often correlates with moral decline, as Sr. White warns: “The profanation of the Sabbath and contempt for God’s law are the source of society’s evils” (The Great Controversy, p. 585, 1888). Upholding God’s name counters these trends, reminding society of His sovereignty and moral standards. As a community, we must model respect and integrity, challenging others to recognize God’s authority. Through this witness, we contribute to societal healing, reflecting the values of God’s kingdom. “Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 26:2, KJV) demands societal observance, while “Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:14, KJV) promotes just reverence. The inspired pen reveals, “When they acknowledged the claims of God, and complied with His requirements, honoring Him with their substance, their barns were filled with plenty” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 530, 1890). Through inspired counsel, we learn, “God works with those who properly represent His character. Through them His will is done on earth as it is done in heaven” (In Heavenly Places, p. 214, 1966). Bold witness restores moral order, echoing heaven’s harmony. What personal commitments sustain this broader impact?

APPLICATION: REVERENCE LIVED OUT!

The call to revere God’s name invites both individual and collective reflection. Personally, we find inspiration in the simplicity of daily reverence—pausing to pray, speaking kindly, and considering the impact of our actions. Communally, we strengthen our faith by holding each other accountable and encouraging one another to honor God. Sr. White’s words resonate: “The greatest work that can be done in our world is to glorify God by living the character of Christ” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 414, 1900). Together, we reflect God’s love, creating a legacy of reverence for future generations. “Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you” (1 Samuel 12:24, KJV) spurs heartfelt service, as “Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28, KJV) empowers grateful living. In Steps to Christ, we read, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Steps to Christ, p. 100, 1892). A prophetic voice declares, “Reverence for God, October 4. God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him” (My Life Today, p. 291, 1952). Lived reverence forges enduring legacies of faith.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these truths on reverence, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these themes on honoring God’s name to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned community members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about reverence in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of reverence’s call to holiness?