Back in college, I had a creative writing professor who talked a lot about taking the Lord’s name in vain. That might seem strange. But this was a private Christian university, so it wasn’t uncommon for us to dive into spiritual themes in the middle of a conversation about internal rhymes. Since English majors can have colorful language, the subject of profanity often came up during writing workshops—especially if our workshop took place right after chapel.
Students held very different beliefs about what you should or shouldn’t say in a piece of poetry. But what our professor wanted us to understand was that taking the Lord’s name in vain was about more than using or not using a specific word or name, even though it’s true that words have power. It was more about heart posture and behaviors stemming from our beliefs about who God is.
We see this happening with the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19. These men were exorcists, someone who casts out demonic spirits (v.13). Since this passage is the only one in Scripture where we see these seven men mentioned, we don’t know their track record when it comes to their practice. But we do know it doesn’t work here. Not when they try to illegitimately evoke the name of Jesus. “I know Jesus, and I recognize Paul—but who are you?” says the possessed man (v.15). This verse makes me shudder!
What we have is a case of people using the Lord’s name in vain. After these exorcists witness Paul’s power, they want to capitalize on it, but the very spirits that they try to call out dismantle their strategy by calling them phonies. Because they didn’t have faith in Jesus Himself, their attempts were just a mockery and the evil spirits saw that.
In this story, God makes it clear: simply using the name of Jesus isn’t enough to step into His power. You also have to believe in Him. You have to be transformed by Him. During this era of Christianity, it was in the testimony of lives transformed by Jesus that we see true power over darkness, Paul’s testimony being one of the most memorable. It was “in this way the word of the Lord spread and prevailed” (v.20). The same is true of our testimonies today.
Thinking back on those creative writing workshops, I’m so glad our professor took the time to not just teach us about words but also address our hearts. Are we using Jesus to further our own goals or ideas? Are we doing things in the name of God that are dishonoring Him? I know I’ve done this in the past. I pray we’re challenged and inspired today to not just acknowledge the power of Jesus’s name, but to have true faith and trust in Him.
Praise and prayers for you all. Xx
“V20 So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.” Lord, may that be true in our lives today.
When I read the Scripture about the seven sons of Sceva and how the demon chased them off after beating them, I couldn’t help but snicker and think, “they had it coming.” I know that may sound a little harsh or mean but they trying to go up against the Almighty and they didn’t even believe. The demons knew who they were dealing with and it wasn’t anyone associated with God or Christ or the Holy Spirit.
I feel it is still true today, anyone who tries the same thing will eventually be brought down. But if they are truly filled with the Spirit let them tell the world. Let us tell the world about God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. Let us PRAISE HIM from every valley and mountain. Let us REJOICE in the fact the Spirit is in each and every one of us and we will have eternal life. Let us SHARE this message with those around us.
Sisters have a wonderful and blessed day.
Taylor, I’ve been there, and I’m still there, as I’ve been through much trauma and have a strong fear of abandonment. I’m praying for wisdom for you and your friend.
Thank you so much to all who were/are praying. Mari V I am so thankful to be pregnant after the difficulties we had earlier. Taylor. I am so proud of you for seeking God in this and I am praying for you. When I look back on the relationship ships I had prior to meeting my husband I can see that they taught me what not to look for in a husband and what was truly important and I thank God for it. Ruth long my heart is moved for you. Thank you for coming to us for prayer. You are absolutely worth loving. I have been struggling with anxiety since I was young too, and I never thought to pray about it or seek God’s help until recently ( I am 35). I am so proud of you for seeking God to help you and rest assured He will. His power is made perfect in our weakness. I was always ashamed of my anxiety and depression, thinking that it meant I didn’t trust God enough and many times that is not the case. If you can, please consider a church counselor or doctor. Bless you all!
@Ruth, i’m on my way to work right now. I am praying for you. Hold onto those people who are around you to support you. Please know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made a precious child of God.
Victoria E. My heart is so happy and filled with joy for you and your husband. My son is 20 years old and my daughters 15. And let me tell you, I loved being pregnant. I’m so happy for you. And I think we talked about this before, my son was attending Biola in Southern California.
Taylor, I’m very proud of you! This takes maturity and of course discernment. I agree with you, if there are things in him that you are not willing to put up with then you have made a wise decision. I am so proud of you how you considered his heart and yours. You are mature beyond your years. Maybe this one month relationship was a way to grow and see what you are willing and not willing to put up with. Trust me I wish I would’ve had half the maturity that you have when I was your age. I stayed in a relationship for two years during my senior year in high school and first year in college and it was an unhealthy one. Things ended ugly. And a little scary. But God protected me. Have a wonderful day Taylor. Please know that this mother here is so proud of you.