The Pen is Mightier with the Word

In a previous essay, "Why Write," I share my philosophy that teaching writing is a way to glorify God and prepare students for their callings and responsibilities. However, this skill is not something that should be hidden in a vault for future use. It is a tool of dominion that should be used often and deliberately.

Let me explain. When you encounter a policy or practice in your church, community, job, or association that is unjust by God’s standards, take up your pen and write! Communicate your grievance in an articulate, thorough, and God-honoring way. State your case, being sure you are standing on biblical ground and not baptizing your own pet peeve or personal preference, even if you do not state the Biblical case out rightly. By being a voice crying in the wilderness (which is what it often feels like) you will have spoken your peace and allowed someone the opportunity to conform to a more Biblical position.

In the past three months, I have seen policies change in various associations to which our family belongs because of repeated communications in writing. Because I make sure I am on solid, biblical footing before I take on a cause or complaint, and because I am careful to treat my listener (reader) with respect, even a negative outcome has positive benefit. My listener has been alerted to a situation and now cannot claim ignorance, and I have vocalized my perspective and am able to embrace that my Sovereign God has determined an outcome that was not my preference.

These projects need not be grandiose, although I would not preclude taking on Goliaths now and again. What is important is that you do not sit back and resign yourself to the myth that one person cannot make a difference, or that your sphere of influence is too small to matter. Do not be like many who, rather than doing what is before them, self-righteously sit back and lament while our culture deteriorates. Take up your pen and write!

And, here is a little secret for homeschooling parents: as you teach your children to write, you become a better writer yourself! The expression The Pen is Mightier than the Sword can be expanded to The Pen is Mightier with the Word!