"We live in such a way..."
I had mused on this verse a while ago. I often relate it to one of the Ten Commandments about not taking God's name in vain. What does it mean to take someone else's name?
When does it happen mostly in our world? Often we take another person's name when women get married in Western societies. Also, when a person is adopted, he/she takes the last name of the adopting parents. Isn't that what scripture says about us? The church is called the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5.27). When Jacob's faith became his own and he wrestled with God, he got a new name Isra-El (God persists, contends, strives--Gen. 32.28). He took on God's name.
If a person was to take on another person's name and be unfaithful in marriage, he/she would bring dishonor to the name. If an adoptee lives in such way as to bring shame on a family, the parents might rue the day they allowed the person to be called by their name.
Another aspect of taking someone's name is identity theft. And we are called Christian (little Christ), carrying His Name throughout our families, our neighborhood, our community, our workplace, our church, our world. We are His ambassadors saying what He would say, doing what He would do...right? "We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry." (2 Corinthians 6.3)
Do not [adopt] the LORD's name in vain for the LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse His Name (Exodus 20.7).
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