The Ten Commandments and Health - Part 3

Applying Biblical Truths to Your Health

I. "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

The Third Commandment involves a lot more than just refraining from swearing or cussing, although it most certainly covers that also. Simply stated, the Third Commandment is: “Don’t take the name of the Lord in vain.” But then, we must ask, “What constitutes taking the Lord’s name in vain?” The word “vain” is defined in the sense used in Commandment Three as frivolous, fruitless, petty, trivial. According to an article entitled Understanding the Third Commandment: Do Not Take the Lord's Name in Vain on Christianity.com,

Not taking the Lord's name in vain is about much more than avoiding cursing or refraining from exclamations like "Oh my God." It’s about living a life that reflects genuine respect and reverence for God in all we do. When we truly understand the depth of the third commandment, it calls us to honor God's name through our actions, words, and even our thoughts. This means ensuring that our behavior aligns with the values and teachings of our faith, embodying integrity, and upholding the sacredness of God’s name in every aspect of our lives and thoughts.

This commandment encourages us to consider how our actions represent our faith to others. When we claim to follow Christ, but our actions are dishonest, harmful, or hypocritical, we are, in effect, taking God’s name in vain by misrepresenting His character to the world.”

How does this reflect on our understanding of the human body, health and healing. Here’s where I am going to make a really bold statement that is likely to receive a lot of push-back. If you claim to be a Bible-believing Christian, and you know that all healing comes from God and the first time you have even the most minor health problem, say the flu, you run off to the doctor to get a prescription for some drug, you are taking the name of the Lord in vain. Such actions are dishonest and hypocritical. You are misrepresenting God’s character to the world. You are displaying your faith in pills and potions and lotions and vaccines and surgeries over your faith in the Almighty Creator of the Universe. There is NO drug, of any kind that heals any sickness, disease, illness, malady, or infirmity of any kind. Period.

This is the point where I am obliged to deliver a disclaimer, because I know what some or maybe many of you are thinking right now, “This crazy guy is saying you should never seek medical care. Lunatic.” No, I am not saying that and it seems I have to repeat this statement every time I write an article. Medical care has become quite proficient at stop-gap measures in life-threating emergencies. That is the proper place for conventional medicine. But Healing? Not on your life (pun intended).

Living a life that reflects genuine respect and reverence for God in all we do includes health. God gave you, YES YOU, a body that is capable of healing itself. This healing capacity is the inborn, innate power of God and the Holy Spirit. When you deny that Power, you are taking the name of the Lord in vain.

So, as a beginning, next time you think you are “coming down with something,” you could try using the old-time medical method called “watchful waiting.” In other words, give your body some time to use its self-righting mechanism to return to homeostasis and health – and, if you give God a chance to do His work you might find that the best treatment is no treatment at all, while aligning your actions with your faith and, thereby, honoring God’s name.

I encourage you to pick up a copy of my new book, “The Great Christian Health Awakening” to read more about this topic.

Now Available in Kindle Format.

Next time: “The Ten Commandments and Health” Part Four