Language and Grammar to the Glory of God

Communication is vital to our human experience.  It is a gateway into the inner being of those we love, are curious about, or want to get to know.  It helps us understand and learn what (and why) others do what they do and think what they think.  Communication helps us to see past the skin; to get beneath the surface, and to truly know someone or something other than ourselves.

Granted, a lot of communication is unspoken.  We may give a certain facial expression or a particular bodily motion to add texture to what we are saying.  The expression may even speak for itself.  But for the most part, we communicate through words. Words articulate what we are thinking and feeling about ourselves, about others, and about things. 

Simply put, clear, meaningful, and thoughtful communication, expressed through words, is a significant way by which we love others.   Therefore, words are extremely important.  They are vital to community, relationship and thus to the progress of humanity toward the Promised Land. 

Because words, by nature, are representatives, we must make sure that we are using them correctly.  We must use the right word, or construction of words, that best represents the facts.  On the same note, we must also refrain from using words that do not represent the facts correctly.  Misrepresenting the facts breaks the 9th commandment at least.

But there is more.  Words are a means by which we know that we are loved.  The greatest example being God, who decided to communicate to us through His Word.  I understand that He communicates to us in other ways (i.e., general revelation); but His children come to know His special love for them through His written Word.

Through this Word, expressed in many Words, we can know and understand the One who made us.  Through His Word (and by His Spirit) we can know His thoughts - even the deep things of God (1 Cor 2:9-13).  This truth is given fuller expression in Hebrews where we read that God "spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son..."  And the words that are spoken by the Son, Jesus Christ, are not merely ink on a page, they are life (Jn 6:63); yes, even eternal life (v.68).  

This is why language and grammar is so vitally important.  It is for this ultimate reason that we strive to teach our children (and ourselves!) how to communicate properly - to communicate unto the glory of God.  I never heard that growing up:  "Scott, you must communicate properly because this glorifies God...So, go do your English homework and do it well!"

Our children will soon usher in and lead a new generation.  We must love them and others by educating them unto the glory of God.  Miscommunication breeds strife, frustration, lies and needless controversy.  It is not glorifying to God.  But when we communicate properly, we love well.  We impart, in words, the things freely given to us by God (1 Cor 2:13).  Nothing is perhaps more loving than the Gospel communicated through words saturated with clarity, faithfulness, love and truth.

We are not teaching merely language and grammar.  We are not educating our children so that they can get high marks on some test; or even get some great job in the future.  We educate our children in language and grammar because we want to see our children, and all of their friends, in heaven.