by Debbie Wicker BCCC

We are continuing our series on the Ten Commandments, exploring the relevance of each commandment in our modern, stressful world. For each commandment, we are looking at two different aspects—some of which you may not have considered before.

Our hope is to help you explore the wisdom, value, and practical benefits of God’s commandments in your everyday life.

In this article, we turn our attention to the Third Commandment and one of the ways it can be misunderstood in modern Christianity.

When People in the Seats Become More Important Than the Truth

Many people resist the challenging parts of Christianity because they do not want to submit their lives fully to God’s will. That creates a difficult tension for churches that depend heavily on large congregations and substantial financial support.

When maintaining attendance and donations becomes the primary goal, there can be a temptation to make Christianity easier to accept.

The difficult parts are softened.

Repentance receives less attention.

Obedience becomes optional.

The Ten Commandments may be mentioned less frequently—or dismissed altogether.

Instead, the message can become something like:

“Love is all you need. Accept Jesus, and God will bless you abundantly.”

There is certainly truth in the importance of God’s love and in salvation through Jesus Christ. But Christianity is not simply a promise of comfort, prosperity, or personal fulfillment. Jesus called His followers to repentance, obedience, humility, sacrifice, and transformation.

A message that removes those difficult demands can become much more appealing to an audience—but is it still faithfully presenting the complete message of Scripture?

Is the Old Testament Still Relevant?

Some Christian teachers argue that the Old Testament and the Law of Moses are no longer relevant to Christians.

The argument sometimes sounds simple:

“You don’t need to worry about the Law. Just accept Jesus as your Savior, and everything else will take care of itself.”

But Jesus Himself gave a much more complicated answer.

The Fulfillment of the Law

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

— Matthew 5:17–19 NIV

Jesus did not present His mission as simply throwing away everything that came before Him.

He spoke about fulfilling the Law.

That does not mean Christians should ignore the ways the New Testament transforms our understanding of the Law. It does mean that we should be very careful about casually dismissing God’s commandments or teaching others that obedience no longer matters.

Jesus continued:

“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

— Matthew 5:20 NIV

These are challenging words.

They do not sound like an invitation to reduce Christianity to a convenient formula.

They call us toward a deeper righteousness—one that reaches beyond outward religious behavior and transforms the heart.

Are We Misusing God’s Name?

This brings us back to the Third Commandment:

“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God.”

— Exodus 20:7 NIV

We often think of this commandment only in terms of using God’s name as a swear word. But the principle is much broader.

God’s name represents His character, authority, reputation, and identity.

If we claim to speak for God, we have a responsibility to represent Him faithfully.

That raises an important question:

What happens when someone uses the name of God to promote a message designed primarily to enrich, entertain, or benefit themselves?

Using Christianity as a vehicle for personal wealth, influence, status, or power should cause us to stop and think very carefully.

When God’s name becomes a marketing tool, something has gone seriously wrong.

The issue is not whether a pastor or church should receive financial support. Churches need resources to operate, help people, support ministries, and serve their communities.

The issue is what happens when financial success becomes more important than faithfully teaching God’s Word.

If difficult biblical teachings are removed because they might offend people, reduce attendance, or discourage donations, then we should ask whether God’s truth has been placed behind the desire for popularity.

We Need to Use God’s Name With Humility

Scripture repeatedly calls us toward humility.

Jesus taught:

“Instead, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

— Luke 14:10–11 NIV

The Christian life is not supposed to be about using God to elevate ourselves.

It is about submitting ourselves to God.

We should not use Jesus to gain wealth, prestige, influence, or admiration. We should use what God has given us to serve others, encourage those who are struggling, and point people toward Him.

That requires humility.

It requires reverence.

And it requires a willingness to teach the difficult truths of Scripture rather than only the portions that people find comfortable.

Christianity Is More Than a Sales Pitch

There is a danger in turning Christianity into something that is designed primarily to sell.

If the message becomes:

• Believe in Jesus and everything will go well.
• God wants you to be wealthy.
• Don’t worry about repentance.
• Don’t worry about obedience.
• Don’t worry about God’s commandments.
• Just believe, and God will give you what you want.

then Christianity can easily become centered on us rather than on God.

The Gospel is not a promise that God will give us everything we want.

It is an invitation to become reconciled to God and transformed through our relationship with Him.

Jesus did not call His followers merely to add Him to a comfortable life. He called them to follow Him.

That can be difficult.

It can require sacrifice.

It can require repentance.

It can require us to change.

And it certainly requires humility.

God’s Name Is Not a Marketing Tool

The Third Commandment challenges us to consider how seriously we take God’s name.

If we claim to represent God, we should strive to represent Him honestly and faithfully.

We should not reshape His message simply because the original message is difficult.

We should not remove uncomfortable teachings because they might reduce our audience.

And we should never treat God as a means to achieve our own ambitions.

God is not a product.

Jesus is not a marketing strategy.

The Bible is not a tool for personal enrichment.

God calls us to something much greater: faith, obedience, humility, repentance, service, and transformation.

Without God in our lives, we can experience an emptiness that nothing else can completely fill. But the answer is not to use God for our own purposes.

The answer is to submit ourselves to Him.

That is one of the most important lessons of the Third Commandment:

We are called to carry God’s name with reverence, humility, and integrity—not to use His name for our own purposes.

About the Author

Debbie Wicker is a Board Certified Christian Counselor who brings a thoughtful mental health perspective to the study of the Bible. With more than 15 years of counseling experience, Debbie helps individuals understand Scripture not only spiritually, but emotionally and psychologically as well.
Before entering counseling, Debbie was a partner in a Big 8 public accounting firm, where she built a successful career in management consulting. After a mid-life career change, she felt called to integrate faith and mental health — equipping others to grow spiritually while addressing real-life struggles with wisdom and compassion.

Through the-Bible.net, Debbie writes to help readers better understand God’s Word, human nature, and the transforming power of Christ.

By Debbie Wicker BCCC

We are continuing our study of the Ten Commandments. The third commandment is one of the most misunderstood because many people reduce it to simply avoiding profanity.

“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, NIV)

Most people assume this commandment is only about using God’s name as a curse word. While that certainly shows disrespect, the commandment reaches much deeper than our vocabulary.

At its heart, the third commandment warns us against using God’s name to justify our own desires. It is about claiming God’s authority for actions that are really driven by selfish ambition, personal gain, or corruption.

Jesus’ Anger in the Temple

One of the clearest examples of violating the third commandment is found in Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple.

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.'”
(Matthew 21:12–13, NIV)

Jesus is remarkably patient throughout the Gospels, yet here He responds with unmistakable anger. Why?

The Temple was meant to be a place where people encountered God. Instead, many had turned it into a business that enriched themselves while hiding behind religious activity. God’s name and God’s house were being used to serve human greed.

That is a direct violation of the third commandment.

A Temptation That Still Exists

This temptation did not end in the first century.

People may begin a ministry with sincere intentions, only to gradually transform it into a business that exists primarily for personal benefit. They continue to speak about serving God, but their real priority becomes serving themselves.

Not every ministry that receives donations or pays staff is corrupt. Scripture teaches that those who devote themselves to ministry may be supported in their work. The problem arises when God’s name is used to manipulate people, conceal dishonesty, or enrich leaders at the expense of those who trust them.

Whenever God’s authority is used to justify selfish motives, the third commandment is being violated.

We All Want to Hear from God

Most believers genuinely want to know God’s will.

We ask questions such as:

• What is God’s plan for my life?
• Why am I here?
• How can I help build God’s kingdom?

These are good questions. But Scripture calls us to surrender our plans to God and patiently wait for His direction rather than forcing our own.

God often answers in ways we do not expect and according to His timing instead of ours.

Sometimes, however, we stop listening. We decide what we want and then convince ourselves that God must want the same thing. Instead of seeking His will, we ask Him to approve ours.

That can lead us into decisions that satisfy our own desires while being presented as God’s calling.

Examples I Have Personally Witnessed

During my career, I worked with the financial systems of a large missionary organization. It became apparent to me that its published financial statements did not accurately reflect how donated funds were being used. The allocation of money differed significantly from what donors had been led to believe.

I also worked with the financial records of a radio ministry supported by generous donations. Again, I observed spending practices that appeared inconsistent with what supporters would reasonably have expected.

I cannot speak to every motive or every detail behind those organizations. Only God knows the full truth. But experiences like these reminded me how easily people can misuse God’s name to gain trust while pursuing other objectives.

God sees what people cannot.

We Can Misuse God’s Name in Personal Life Too

This temptation is not limited to churches or ministries.

I once knew a young woman who had three small children by two different fathers. Coming from a wealthy family, she announced that God was calling her to become a missionary in Africa. She married another man, raised financial support from family and friends, and encouraged people to give because she was supposedly answering God’s call.

As events unfolded, it became clear that the mission was less about serving God and more about escaping difficult circumstances at home.

The consequences were painful, especially for the children, who often bear the greatest cost when adults make irresponsible decisions while claiming divine approval.

A Warning for Every One of Us

It is easy to read stories like these and think about someone else.

But the third commandment confronts all of us.

Whenever we use God to justify choices that He has not actually directed, we are taking His name in vain. We may not intend to deceive others, but we can still deceive ourselves.

When life becomes difficult, we naturally look for relief and for explanations that make us feel better. Yet God’s invitation is not to manufacture a calling that fits our desires. His invitation is to repent where necessary, trust His forgiveness, and wait patiently for His direction.

The safest path is not to use God’s name to support our plans, but to humbly seek His will and follow wherever He leads.

That is what it means to honor His name.

About the Author

Debbie Wicker is a Board Certified Christian Counselor who brings a thoughtful mental health perspective to the study of the Bible. With more than 15 years of counseling experience, Debbie helps individuals understand Scripture not only spiritually, but emotionally and psychologically as well.
Before entering counseling, Debbie was a partner in a Big 8 public accounting firm, where she built a successful career in management consulting. After a mid-life career change, she felt called to integrate faith and mental health — equipping others to grow spiritually while addressing real-life struggles with wisdom and compassion.

Through the-Bible.net, Debbie writes to help readers better understand God’s Word, human nature, and the transforming power of Christ.

by Debbie Wicker BCCC

Many people assume the second commandment no longer applies today. After all, we don’t carve statues or bow down to physical idols like ancient cultures did—so is it still relevant?

Scripture says:

“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God… but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”
(Exodus 20:4–6)

At first glance, this command may seem outdated. But its meaning goes far deeper than carved images. The second commandment speaks directly to the condition of our hearts.

What Is an Idol Today?

An idol is anything we place above God in our lives.

We may not build altars of stone, but we often build altars in our priorities, our desires, and our decisions. Modern idols are subtle, socially acceptable, and often disguised as good things.

Some common examples include:

• Placing our children above our devotion to God
• Pursuing money, success, or comfort as our highest goal
• Trusting our own opinions and desires over God’s will

These things are not inherently wrong—but when they take God’s rightful place, they become idols.

The Heart of the Commandment

The second commandment ultimately calls us to wholehearted devotion.

God does not merely want a portion of our lives—He calls us to love Him fully, trust Him completely, and live under His authority. This is not about legalism; it is about relationship.

Of course, none of us obeys perfectly. That is why Jesus came—to live the perfect life we could not and to show us what true obedience looks like. As we grow in love for God, we increasingly desire to follow Him.

Still, we must be honest: we all struggle to keep God first. The question is not if we fail, but how often we allow other things to take His place.

Why Idols Harm Us

Idols promise satisfaction—but they always leave us empty.

When we elevate something above God, we become enslaved by it. Instead of freedom, we experience pressure, anxiety, and constant striving.

• If money is our idol, we never feel we have enough.
• If relationships define us, we are crushed by disappointment.
• If success drives us, we are never satisfied with where we are.

This is why idolatry leads to unrest. It creates desires that can never be fully fulfilled.

In many ways, modern culture amplifies this struggle. Social media, for example, constantly tempts us to compare, chase approval, and idolize lifestyles that are often unrealistic. We begin to pursue what we don’t have, believing it will finally satisfy us—but it never does.

The Freedom of Putting God First

When God is truly first in our lives, everything changes.

We move from striving to resting.
From emptiness to contentment.
From anxiety to peace.

God created us with purpose, and His design for our lives does not involve endless striving to feel “good enough.” Instead, it leads to a deep and lasting satisfaction found only in Him.

Putting God first is not restrictive—it is freeing.

A Simple Challenge

Take a moment to reflect:

What in your life competes with God for your attention, trust, or affection?

Identifying our idols is the first step toward realigning our hearts. As we intentionally place God back at the center, we begin to experience the life He intended for us—one marked by peace, joy, and true fulfillment.

The second commandment is not outdated.

It is as relevant today as it has ever been.

About the Author

Debbie Wicker is a Board Certified Christian Counselor who brings a thoughtful mental health perspective to the study of the Bible. With more than 15 years of counseling experience, Debbie helps individuals understand Scripture not only spiritually, but emotionally and psychologically as well.
Before entering counseling, Debbie was a partner in a Big 8 public accounting firm, where she built a successful career in management consulting. After a mid-life career change, she felt called to integrate faith and mental health — equipping others to grow spiritually while addressing real-life struggles with wisdom and compassion.

Through the-Bible.net, Debbie writes to help readers better understand God’s Word, human nature, and the transforming power of Christ.

Mental health issues are something we really don’t want to talk about. While it may be a reality, bringing it out into the open isn’t something that is easily accomplished. We want to hide it away from the world

Years ago I served as a visiting pastor to Rogers Memorial Hospital, a behavioral health hospital, to offer communion, group Bible study and one-on-one visits. The experience taught me a valuable lesson—it’s important to look beyond the stigma of mental health.

During those years, God showed me that the patients were people whom He dearly loved. Jesus told Peter, “Feed my sheep,” so how was this any different?

I am a chaplain not a mental health professional, so over the years, in a variety of settings, I have kept to my side of the street. Collaborating with counselors, psychotherapists and others gave me an understanding that body, mind, spirit are all connected and play a part on a person’s well being. More importantly, God does move in the lives of people, so letting Him lead is an essential part in reaching out to people.

Mental health issues are scary

Mental health issues are scary for so many people. They call it behavioral health. People can have a mental illness, but not have any “behavioral” issues. Mental health is not much better. Call it “Help for the Soul.” Mental Health and Wellness teams strive to not only help people through their issues, but also to connect them with God. We don’t usually think of the Lord Jesus Christ as a Mental health worker, but truth be told, he is the ultimate psychotherapist. Not only does He bring resolution, He brings healing.

We all deal with mental health issues in ourselves or a loved

Because most everybody at one time or another is going to deal with a mental health issue, that doesn’t make them any less of a Christian. We are dearly loved, made in God’s image, so the focus is on getting through the situation and moving forward.

The Bible is not specific on mental health, but it does touch on emotions. We see episodes of demonic possession in the Bible, but that is not mental health as much as it is a spiritual attack. People struggling with issues are not demon possessed, but they have problems that require help.

Stress, anxiety, depression are common and can be dealt with. People do not lose their salvation because they are fighting a problem. Anyone can have mental health problems, young and old, rich or poor. Because of this, we should not judge them, but reach out and try to help. Look at it this way, Elijah the prophet had suicidal thoughts. In 1 Kings 19:4 he prayed that he might die, but God strengthened him.

Mental health issues need to be treated

There are those who do not trust mental health professionals, or doctors in general, but the fact is people who have mental illness episodes need to be treated. Sometimes that means medication, but often it is a matter of talking things through and gaining a different perspective.

Often we can call upon God to take away those anxieties and worries. 1 Peter 5:6-7 speaks to this directly:

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

The Apostle Paul tells us:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

The key is having a close relationship with God, through the Lord Jesus Christ. In today’s world, people turn to anything and everything to get help or relief. They seldom turn to God. The more we fight against the love and compassion of God, the worse it gets for us.

The religion of the world is humanism. Pushing God aside, we strive to solve our own problems our own way. Man is the center of the humanist world. Elijah thought his suicide would be the answer to his troubles. God had a better way.