Harmony Helpers

Introduction

The third of the Ten Commandments reads:

Exodus 20:7 NKJV

7 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

The popular understanding of this verse boils down to the idea that Christians should not say “oh, my God.” I don’t think that is what God intended when He gave the command to Moses. Notice, God did not say “you shall not USE the name of the Lord in vain.” He said “you shall not TAKE the name of the Lord in vain.”

Small difference difference in wording but big difference in meaning. What does it mean to take someone’s name. Being traditional, it’s what happens when a woman gets married, she takes her husbands name. Using a name is very different. Anyone here can use my name, but no one is welcome to take my name, unless you want to marry one of my sons...

In ancient Israel, as God was establishing the nation, the people of Israel were to be the children of God, they took His name…literally, Israel means prince of God.

In our context, as Christians, we have taken the name of Christ. The commandment still stands. We should not take His name in vain, or in an empty meaningless way.

Transition

You probably thinking we are talking about the Beatitudes, and you are right, we are. But this commandment and this Beatitude are related.

Illumination

Matthew 5:9 NKJV

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

Peacemakers Are Harmony Helpers

“Peace” means harmonious relationship

A Peacemaker is someone who tries to bring about harmonious relationships between opposing parties. They try to take parties that are discordant and help them become harmonious.

Key Relationships That Need to be in Harmony

Our Relationship with God

Romans 8:6–7 NKJV

6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

Our natural state is out of harmony with God. God has done everything necessary to restore that harmony. We have to take the final step for ourselves. And we get to help other people take that final step for themselves.

Our Relationship with Self

This one can be a bit complicated given the complexities and variety of our internal dialogue, but we need to be in harmony with ourselves: our attitudes and actions need to align with our ideals. If we are not in harmony, we will struggle to help others find harmony.

Our Relationship with Others

This is probably the most natural place to apply this topic. Christians with really bad interpersonal skills who perpetually cause damage in relationships and have lots of drama should be the exception and not the norm. The fact that is as much the norm for believers as it is for unbelievers just underscores the need for Jesus to say this.

Our Relationships for Others

This is an area that requires delicacy, you have to know the boundaries that you can broach and those you cannot. Not everyone wants your help. And some people don’t want anyone’s help.

Harmony Helpers Reflect Well

Peacemakers are called sons of God

Called a Son by God who bids us

Considered a Son by Men who recognize us

Conclusion

There is an interesting underlying assumption in this beatitude. If we reflect God when we are at, or about, peace, that says something about God. Contrary to popular belief, He created us to be in harmonious relationship with us. Will He judge sinners and sin? Yes. Is that His goal? No. His goal is harmonious relationship. But, it is we who must change our pitch back to His, not the other way around.

Application

Reflect God by being harmonious