File: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940710.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                            July 10, 1994 (Sunday)
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READ:  James 1:19-27


                         CHANGING PRONOUNS

                        Be doers of the Word,
                        and not hearers only,
                        deceiving yourselves.

                            James 1:22

Courses in English composition teach us to avoid the use of the
pronoun "I" as much as possible when we write.  After all, it's
neigher good style nor good manners to make ourselves the center
of attention.

But there are times when the softening of the pronoun "I" can be
bad spiritual grammer.  For example, the next time you're talking
with friends about living for Christ, avoid using "we" or "us"
when you point out how Christians can be more effective in
serving Christ.

It's easy and vague to say, "We suffer from apathy.  We need a
new devotion to the Lord."  It's tougher to confess, "I suffer
from apathy.  I need greater devotion to the Lord."

Too often we -- oops, excuse me -- I have said, "We should be
doing something about our Sunday school."  Or, "We need to get
busy about evangelism."  What a difference it might make if we
were a bit less modest about saying "I."  Try saying "I" should
do something about our Sunday school.  There's no good reason
that "I" can't become more involved."  Or, "I need to get busy
about evangelism, and with God's help, "I" will."

Changing pronouns may not be the best writing style, but it can
lead to a more Christ-honoring lifestyle.  -- HWR

                 O use me, Lord, use even me,
             Just as Thou wilt, and when and where,
                 Until Thy blessed face I see--
               Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share. 

                                       - Havergal

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Isaiah 10-12

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:  What Kind of church would my church be if
                      all its members were just like me?


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