Loser. Ugly. Bossy. Dramatic. Pathetic. Stubborn. Liar. Hypocrite. Lazy. Mean. Snob. Stingy. Greedy. Weak. Are these names that you want to be identified with? What about these? Beautiful. Kind. Helpful. Generous. Ambitious. Hard-working. Joyful. Peace-maker. Respectful. Strong. Dedicated. Faithful. Capable. Talented. Names matter, don't they? What people call you matters. We all want to have a good name. We all want to be known as someone good. When people spread rumors about us and tarnish our good name, when they act like are a nobody, or when they use our name to disparage another, we get angry and hurt. That is how God feels when we dishonor His name too.

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. The Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. Deuteronomy 5:11

If we really aren't talking to God or about God, then we are misusing His name and that is a serious offense. We don't want to use it flippantly or take away its value because it carries weight. By His name, we receive salvation. He places His name on us and we use it to get into heaven. When two or more are gathered in His name, He is with them. When we ask for things in His name, then we receive answers to our prayers. But if we are talking to or about Him, we need to make sure we are reflecting His true character because His names reveal who He is and we don't want to taint His good name or misuse it in any way. It is not a name to be thrown around lightly because it is The Name Above All Names.