The Daily Ricky

HALLOWED BE THY NAME

Matthew 6:9


After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. – Matthew 6:9 KJV


How do you do this? How one hallowed God’s name and what does that mean anyway? To hallowed means “to hold in reverence” or “to treat as holy” which is to esteem, prize, honor and adore. To treat God’s with respect in this way is to hallowed his name. It is not to pronounce His name in a certain way or at a certain time. God is already holy. He doesn’t need us to make that so. So we do not hallowed God’s name by outwardly calling Him by a certain name. We hallowed God by ordering our thoughts and conduct so that we, as his children and chosen possession, honor Him.



"Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. – Ezekiel 36:22


How did they do this? A careful reading of Ezekiel shows that they profaned the name of God by their sinful actions. God said that they were to be holy for He is holy. They forgot God in that they forgot how to act. Their actions were supposed to reflect upon the goodness of God. Their actions were dishonoring. Maybe you’ve heard someone say that this child of theirs dishonored their family name. Someone had a family that was highly respected in the community and their child did something that was out of character and did not reflect favorably upon the whole.



There is a young lady in our town that had a bumper sticker that read, “I hate mean people.” I have often thought about that. More than once I have heard of others who go to church or are members of a family, even a pastor’s family, who have gotten mean, called the school and chewed on some staff person of teacher. Yes, we are protective towards our children but remember the scripture says, “Let you kindness be evident to all.” We hallow God’s name by our conduct.



When we say, “Hallowed be thy name” we are saying that the order and conduct of my life today will not dishonor but honor the holy family of God of which I am a part. Others associate me with the body of Christ.



For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. – John 5:22-23 NKJ



Consider again the holy name by which you are called, “Christian,” follower of Christ Way . Really, will others know that we are Christians by our love for one another and for the lost?



First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. – 2 Timothy 2:1-4



Do you attract others to your God by your conduct?



Grace and Peace and Joy to you all be multiplied,


Bill