What actions can we take to honor God's name in our lives? Setting the Scene “Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘It is not for your sake that I will act, O house of Israel, but for My holy name, which you profaned among the nations to which you went.’” (Ezekiel 36:22) God’s driving motive is His own glory. Because His Word is true and reliable, the call to honor His name still stands for us today. Why God’s Name Matters • Exodus 20:7—“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God.” • Leviticus 22:31-32—Obedience “sanctifies” His name. • Romans 2:24—When God’s people live wrongly, “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles.” His reputation is tied to our behavior; our actions can either magnify or mar His holiness before a watching world. Practical Ways to Honor His Name 1. Guard Your Speech • Refuse casual or irreverent use of “God,” “Jesus,” or “Christ.” • Replace coarse talk with words that build up (Ephesians 4:29). 2. Pursue Consistent Obedience • “Whatever you do…do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). • Private choices matter; hypocrisy always leaks into public view. 3. Live Distinct, Holy Lives • Holiness isn’t legalism; it’s family resemblance to our Father (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Flee sin quickly; repentance restores the honor of His name. 4. Shine Good Works Before Others • “Let your light shine…that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father” (Matthew 5:16). • Practical compassion—feeding, visiting, giving—turns heads toward Him. 5. Speak of His Greatness • Share the gospel; tell personal testimonies of His faithfulness. • Praise Him openly at home, work, and gatherings. 6. Worship with Reverence • Heartfelt corporate worship displays the worth of His name (Psalm 96). • Prepare your heart; participate fully; avoid spectator mode. 7. Keep Commitments • Faithful marriages, honest business, and kept promises echo God’s covenant faithfulness. 8. Cultivate Thankfulness • Public gratitude redirects credit away from self to God (Psalm 100:4). 9. Honor Authority, Show Humility • Respecting leaders and serving humbly reflects the submissive heart of Christ (Philippians 2:5-11). 10. Intercede for His Name’s Sake • Pray for revival and purity in the church so that “the nations will know that I am the LORD” (Ezekiel 36:23). Guarding Our Witness Before the Nations Israel profaned God’s name by rebellion and exile; believers can do the same through compromise. • 1 Peter 2:12—“Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles…that they may see your good deeds and glorify God.” • Small lapses—cutting corners, gossip, bitterness—echo loudly in a secular culture desperate for authenticity. Linking to the New Testament • Jesus perfectly honored the Father’s name (John 17:4). • The Church carries that mission forward (2 Corinthians 5:20). • The Holy Spirit empowers us to live lives that match our message (Galatians 5:22-23). A Daily Checklist □ Did my words elevate or cheapen God’s name today? □ Did I obey immediately when Scripture’s truth confronted me? □ Did my actions give unbelievers a reason to respect or reject Him? □ Did I thank God publicly for His gifts? □ Did I look for someone to serve in Jesus’ name? □ Did I keep short accounts with sin through confession? When our lives consistently answer “yes” to these checkpoints, we echo Ezekiel 36:23—His “holy name” is vindicated before the nations, and He receives the honor He alone deserves. |
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