calendar_today May 11, 2026

Third Commandment

person CJ Ward

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Third Commandment | Stone Week 3

The Third Commandment is one of the most quoted — and most misunderstood — commandments in the Bible. Many people assume this command is only about using God’s name as a curse word or saying His name disrespectfully. While honoring God with our words certainly matters, the Third Commandment goes much deeper than speech alone.

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”

Exodus 20:7

In Week 3 of our STONE teaching series, CJ Ward unpacks the meaning behind the Third Commandment and challenges us to consider what it truly means to represent Jesus faithfully.

What Does the Third Commandment Really Mean?

When most people hear the phrase “take the Lord’s name in vain,” they immediately think about speech. While honoring God with our words absolutely matters, the biblical meaning behind the Third Commandment goes far beyond language alone.

The original Hebrew wording carries the idea of bearing, carrying, or wearing the name of God. In other words, the Third Commandment warns against attaching ourselves to the name of God while living in a way that misrepresents Him.

For followers of Jesus, this becomes deeply personal.

When we call ourselves Christians, we carry the name of Christ into every part of our lives. We represent Him in our homes, workplaces, relationships, conversations, habits, and priorities. The question is no longer just, “What do I say about God?” but, “What does my life say about Him?”

The Second Commandment and the Danger of Images

The heart of the Second Commandment is not just about physical idols—it’s about how we represent God. Anytime we try to reduce God into something we can fully understand, control, or define, we are creating an image that falls short of who He truly is.

Just like a photo can never fully capture the beauty of a sunset, any image we create of God will always fall short. God is not limited, contained, or restricted—He is infinite, eternal, and beyond our comprehension.

The Second Commandment reminds us that God cannot be shaped by our perspective. Instead, we must allow Him to reveal Himself to us.

Carrying the Name of Jesus

Throughout this message, CJ Ward explains that following Jesus is not just about adopting a label — it is about transformation.

The Third Commandment challenges believers to ask difficult but important questions:

Has following Jesus changed the way I live?
Does His name affect my decisions?
Does my faith shape the way I treat people?
Does the character of Jesus show up in my everyday life?

There is a way of living associated with the name of Jesus.

The Third Commandment reminds us that faith should never be empty or performative. Christianity was never meant to be something we wear publicly while remaining unchanged privately. God calls His people to live lives that reflect His holiness, mercy, humility, forgiveness, and truth.

This command pushes us beyond surface-level religion and into genuine discipleship.

The Danger of Wearing His Name Casually

One of the strongest themes in this week’s message is the warning against using the name of Jesus for personal benefit.

It can be tempting to associate ourselves with Christianity because of appearance, influence, trust, reputation, or approval. But the Third Commandment reminds us that the name of Jesus is not something we use to elevate ourselves.

Instead, followers of Jesus are called to make His name known — not their own.

CJ Ward powerfully reminds the church that “Jesus is the only name that can save.” Human platforms cannot save people. Popularity cannot transform lives. Influence cannot heal hearts. Only Jesus can do that.

That truth changes everything.

Rather than building our own reputation, we are called to leverage our lives for His glory. The Third Commandment invites believers to live in a way that reflects the goodness and faithfulness of Christ to the world around them.

A Call to Spiritual Responsibility

This message also speaks directly to spiritual leadership and responsibility within the family and the church.

CJ challenges believers not to push spiritual responsibility onto someone else. Instead, followers of Jesus are called to take ownership of their faith and actively pursue Christ in the way they lead, serve, love, forgive, and sacrifice.

The Third Commandment reminds us that carrying the name of Jesus comes with responsibility. It affects the way we love our spouse, raise our children, treat our neighbors, and live behind closed doors.

Faith was never meant to stay private or passive. The name of Jesus changes how we live.

Mercy for Those Who Fall Short

At the same time, this message is filled with hope.

None of us carry His name perfectly. Every believer has moments where we fail, compromise, fall short, or misrepresent Christ. But the gospel reminds us that Jesus is full of mercy and grace.

The cross is proof that we serve a Savior who forgives, restores, and redeems.

The Third Commandment reveals our need for grace, but it also points us directly to the mercy of Jesus. Through Him, we are forgiven and empowered to keep growing, keep repenting, and keep becoming more like Christ.

This is not a message about perfection. It is a message about surrender.

Take Your Next Step

The Third Commandment challenges every believer with one powerful question:
How are you wearing His name?

This week, don’t just hear the message — live it. Ask God to reveal the places where your faith has become casual, comfortable, or disconnected from the way you actually live. Let the name of Jesus shape your decisions, your relationships, your priorities, and your character.

This week’s next step is simple:

Wear the name of Jesus with integrity.

Carry His name faithfully at home, at work, online, in your relationships, and in every part of your life. Not perfectly — but honestly, humbly, and surrendered to Him.