“Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the LORD which hallow you.” (Leviticus 22:32, KJV)

ABSTRACT

This article examines the deep significance of “Hallowed be thy name” from the Lord’s Prayer and the second commandment, revealing how honoring God’s name involves revering His character through words, actions, and daily living, while integrating insights from Scripture and Ellen G. White to challenge us toward authentic holiness and warn against hypocrisy, ultimately calling the community to embody God’s love and transformative power.

HALLOWED BE THY NAME: CONNECTING MATTHEW 6:9 AND EXODUS 20:7
The phrase “Hallowed be thy name” is more than a polite greeting; it’s a heartfelt plea, a recognition of God’s supreme holiness and majesty. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. His name isn’t just a label; it’s a representation of who He is: loving, powerful, and worthy of our utmost reverence. Scripture reveals that God sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name (Psalm 111:9, KJV). In scripture we also read, 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). A prophetic voice once wrote, “True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen, every heart should be deeply impressed” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 306, 1890). Through inspired counsel we are told, “Reverence should be shown also for the name of God. Never should that name be spoken lightly or thoughtlessly. Even in prayer its frequent or needless repetition should be avoided. ‘Holy and reverend is His name.’ Angels, as they speak it, veil their faces. With what reverence should we, who are fallen and sinful, take it upon our lips!” (My Life Today, p. 282, 1952). This understanding should fill us with awe and humility, prompting us to approach His name with the deepest respect, especially as we consider how often we truly weigh the words we speak when we invoke God’s name?

HONORING GOD: MORE THAN JUST WORDS!
The second commandment, “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain” (Exodus 20:7, KJV), reinforces the importance of honoring God’s name. Reverence shapes our entire existence beyond simple words. Sr. White explains, “To hallow the name of the Lord requires that the words in which we speak of the Supreme Being be uttered with reverence. ‘Holy and reverend is His name.’ We are never in any manner to treat lightly the titles or appellations of the Deity”. Our speech, our actions, and even our thoughts should reflect a deep respect for God’s holiness. Revealing His role clearly, God dwells in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones (Isaiah 57:15, KJV). Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy (Psalm 99:3, KJV). The inspired pen reminds us, “We are never in any manner to treat lightly the titles or appellations of the Deity. In prayer we enter the audience chamber of the Most High; and we should come before Him with holy awe” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 106, 1896). A passage from The Great Controversy reminds us, “The name of God is hallowed by the angels of heaven, by the inhabitants of unfallen worlds. When you pray, ‘Hallowed be Thy name,’ you ask that it may be hallowed in this world, hallowed in you” (The Great Controversy, p. 256, 1911). This commitment urges us to examine whether our lives reflect the reverence we claim to have for God?

CAN WE LIVE GOD’S HOLINESS?
Hallowing God’s name goes beyond outward expressions of piety. Obedience demands alignment with divine character. It requires us to live in accordance with His character. “Hallowing the name of the Lord means to regard it with supreme reverence, to meditate upon His character, and to yield obedience to His will”. This means striving to embody the love, compassion, and justice that define God’s nature. It’s a call to action, a challenge to live lives that reflect the holiness of the name we profess. Scripture reveals that we observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, The Lord Thy God (Deuteronomy 28:58, KJV). If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, The Lord Thy God (Deuteronomy 28:58, KJV). Wait, duplicate, replace with: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God (Romans 13:1, KJV). No, relevant: Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread (Isaiah 8:13, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “Holy and reverend is His name. He is to be feared and had in reverence by all those who minister before Him” (Prophets and Kings, p. 48, 1917). In Ministry of Healing we read, “Teach them to hallow the name of God. Help them to repeat with reverence the words of the Lord’s Prayer” (Ministry of Healing, p. 434, 1905). This pursuit invites us to explore how we can better align our actions with our words?

IS HYPOCRISY A SIN AGAINST GOD?
Sadly, many profess faith while their lives tell a different story. Integrity exposes the gap between profession and practice. “It is not only by false statements and deceptive appearances that people take the name of the Lord in vain. By the pursuit of sin, men dishonor Him, failing to live as representatives of His character”. This is a stark reminder that hypocrisy is a form of taking God’s name in vain. We cannot claim to honor God with our lips while our hearts are far from Him. This resonates deeply with me, as I often struggle to live up to the ideals I hold dear. We must examine our own lives and ask ourselves: Are we truly representing God’s character to the world? Revealing the truth, they profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate (Titus 1:16, KJV). Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men (Isaiah 29:13, KJV). The inspired pen notes, “God’s name is to be reverenced, and not spoken lightly” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 410, 1864). A prophetic voice once wrote, “The name of the Lord is to be uttered with reverence” (Signs of the Times, April 23, 1896). This examination leads us to ponder whether God’s command to hallow His name, while seemingly restrictive, is ultimately an act of love?

DOES LOVE UNDERLIE THE LAW?
God’s command to hallow His name, while seemingly restrictive, is ultimately an act of love. Divine intention reveals protection through holiness. It’s a call to recognize His holiness and experience the fullness of a life lived in harmony with His divine character. As Sr. White states, “The very fact that He has given us His name is a pledge of His love and a call to us to be like Him”. This quote asserts the loving motivation behind the commandment. God’s gift of His name is a pledge of His love. This pledge calls us to reflect His character. Therefore, by hallowing His name, we draw closer to Him and experience the transformative power of His love. God’s desire is not to burden us but to bless us, to guide us into a life of purpose and joy. Scripture reveals that the name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe (Proverbs 18:10, KJV). O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together (Psalm 34:3, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “True reverence is shown by obedience. God has given explicit directions in regard to His law, but many who profess to be children of God are dishonoring Him by their transgression of His commandments” (My Life Today, p. 281, 1952). In Early Writings we read, “I have been shown that God’s holy name should be used with reverence and awe. The words God and Jesus are often used in a careless manner, and are coupled with common expressions. God’s holy name is taken in vain by many” (Early Writings, p. 70, 1882). This guidance compels us to ask if we must take this message to heart?

READY TO HONOR HIS NAME?
We must take this message to heart. Urgency demands response amid casualness. We see in our churches and in the world around us, a casualness toward sacred things, a disregard for the holiness of God’s name. This should grieve us and spur us to action. Let us commit to hallowing God’s name in every aspect of our lives – in our words, our actions, and our thoughts. Let us strive to live lives that reflect His character, that demonstrate the transformative power of His love. Let us be a light to the world, showing others what it truly means to hallow the name of our Heavenly Father. This is my prayer, and I believe it should be the prayer of each of us. Revealing commitment, ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord (Leviticus 19:30, KJV). Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling (Psalm 2:11, KJV). A passage from Testimonies for the Church reminds us, “We are never in any manner to treat lightly the titles or appellations of the Deity” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 247, 1889). The inspired pen affirms, “God is high and holy; and to the humble, believing soul, His house on earth, the place where His people meet for worship, is as the gate of heaven” (My Life Today, p. 286, 1952). This dedication reminds us to consider how hallowing God’s name becomes an active pursuit?

WHAT TRANSFORMATION AWAITS US?
Hallowing God’s name is not a passive act; it’s an active pursuit. Dedication fosters growth in likeness. It requires a conscious decision to honor Him in every aspect of our lives. It’s a journey of transformation, a process of becoming more like Him. May we all strive to live lives that bring honor and glory to His holy name. Scripture reveals that bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name (Psalm 103:1, KJV). I will praise thy name for ever and ever (Psalm 145:2, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The people were to be impressed that everything connected with the service of God must be regarded with the greatest reverence” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 590, 1890). A prophetic voice once wrote, “Another precious grace that should be carefully cherished is reverence” (Pastoral Ministry, p. 841, 1995). This journey inspires us to reflect on its personal impact.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into the truths of honoring God’s name, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

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

What are the most common misconceptions about hallowing God’s name 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 honoring God’s holy name?