The phrase “in vain” and the word “vanity” are related. However, “in vain” and “vanity” as used in the King James Version of the Bible is far more related to the idea of “emptiness” or “without purpose” than to some form of pride. “In vain” can mean in an inconsequential manner.

One mark of a true believer is taking God, His names, and all references to God very seriously. True believers want to be very careful to avoid every possibility of taking His name in vain. Afterall, God takes it very seriously when anyone takes His name in vain. His command requires respect and avoidance of any vanity.

Exodus 20:7 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.

Here are 10 ways people can take God’s name in vain (there are many more):

(1) Ignoring God’s name

(2) Ignoring or failing to use any or all of the ways God reveals Himself through His name(s)

(3) Treating God’s name as common

(4) Using God’s name in cursing

(5) Referring to God thoughtlessly

(6) Referring to God in any disrespectful way

(7) Failing to actively “hallow” His name(s)

(8) Using God’s name in pretense, as in pretending to obey and to love God

(9) Being “associated” with God’s name yet disobeying God and bringing shame to Him by deeds that do not represent Him

(10) Failing to follow through with the kind of relationship God wants with each person

The Bible contains many titles and names of God, the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. It contains many different kinds of references to God and the various roles of both of them. Studying those names offers many benefits.

(1) Studying those names helps to give us insight into their divine nature, their majesty, and their power and authority.

(2) Studying those names directs us in our growing in grace and knowledge of God and His master plan.

(3) It provides a special portal into learning and proving the will of God.

(4) It helps us to grow in understanding of who these awesome beings are, what they will do, and why they will do it.

(5) Knowing God’s names helps us to realize just what kind of relationships it is possible for us to have with the Father and the Son.

How Much Do We Want to Find God and Know Him?

Knowing about God is not the same as knowing God in a relationship. It is very clear in Scripture that God wants us to seek Him to find Him and to know Him.

Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

Psalm 27:8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.

Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Seeking to know God by searching out the meaning of each of His names and titles can unlock new ways to relate to God. Afterall, knowing a person’s name is often just the very beginning of a relationship. For true worshippers to worship the true God in Spirit and Truth, each and every one of God’s names and titles is important.

Calling on God by using the names and titles He has inspired in His Word allows us to express a recognized dependence on God in every area of our lives. It also is a way to speak often of God’s wonders, because His names and titles relate to the wonderful deeds He has done (for example: Creator, Father, Savior, Redeemer, Sustainer). It provides a way to praise His wonderful nature and power; like, Faithful, Impossible to lie.

Yes, simply calling on God using the names and titles He has inspired in His Word has multiple benefits for believers. It also is a major way, unlike any other, for us to worship God and bless His holy name.

Psalm 63:4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

Psalm 96:2 Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.