In His Name Devotionals
HOLINESS (2)
“Hallowed be Thy name.” (Matthew 6:9) Hallowing God’s name requires setting it apart from everything common and giving Him first place is our lives. That starts with believing He exists. “He who comes to God must believe that He is” (Hebrews 11:6).
Beyond mere belief, you must also know the kind of God He is. Some people who claim to believe in God are not hallowing His name because they have erroneous concepts of who He is. The Israelites thought they were worshiping the true God when they bowed down to the golden calf (Ex 32:4). The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day thought they worshiped the true God, but Jesus called them children of the Devil because they rejected God’s Word (John 8:44, 47). Sound Biblical doctrine about God is essential to revering God properly.
Hallowing God’s name also involves constantly being aware of His presence. That helps a Christian focus on His priorities and to see every aspect of your life from His perspective. That’s what David meant when he said, “I have set the Lord continually before me” (Ps 16:8).
Obedience is another way to hallow God’s name. Your theology might be flawless, and you may be constantly aware of His presence, but if you disobey Him, you dishonor Him. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
As a Christian, you are an instrument through whom God displays His holiness in the world. If His name is to be hallowed on earth as it is in Heaven, it must first be hallowed in your life. That occurs when you believe in Him, understand who He really is, obey His Holy Word, and maintain an awareness of His presence.
That high calling sets the Christian apart from every unbeliever (1 Peter 2:9-10). Pray that God will help you live today in light of that glorious calling.