The third of the Ten Commandments focuses on the consequences of the irreverent use of God’s name.

“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.” (Mosiah 13:15 – Compare with Exodus 20:7)

Questions:

-What does it mean to take the name of the Lord in vain?

-Are you surprised that the casual or mocking use of the name of God is a sin listed among such things as murder and stealing?

-If, as the scriptures attest, the Holy Ghost testifies of God, what happens when a person makes a mockery of God’s name? Will the testimony of the Spirit withdraw from that person?

-What happens to a person spiritually if God’s Spirit withdraws from them?