Stop putting God’s name on your dishonesty

Fictional teaching case · Consider your response

A contractor speaks honestly with a client about unfinished work.

You promised a client that work was complete. It was not. When challenged, you say, “God knows I have done everything I said.” The phrase sounds solemn. It is also being used to protect a statement you know is false. Your religious language is lending weight to your own deception.

Start with what God says

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.Exodus 20:7 · King James Version

Choose your response

Will you defend your image or correct the claim?

Choose the response you are prepared to defend. Then examine the cost.

Where the command is violated

Name the wrong

Invoking God’s name to give false words an appearance of sacred authority.

What obedience looks like

Act with integrity

Speaking of God reverently and refusing to use His name as cover.

Understand the command

Read beyond the excuse

This command concerns God’s name. The dishonesty in the case makes its misuse especially plain.

Make the next step concrete

What will change after this page?

Review a promise you have reinforced with religious language. Does the underlying conduct support the words? Correct one claim that does not.

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