I was typing something recently at work and I was in a hurry. As my co-worker observed what I was doing, they pointed out a couple of words I had messed up. I said, without missing a beat, “I will spellcheck it later”. As soon as I said it, the Holy Spirit convicted me. Did I mention I was in a hurry? I kept right on typing because I was more concerned with getting it done, than I was with getting it done right.
When I did the spellcheck, the program picked up all the misspelled words and even a couple of grammatical errors. It missed a few words that were spelled correctly, but not used in their proper context. I realized this when the person who the document was intended for pointed out to me that some things I had written didn’t make sense. I apologized and made the appropriate changes that the spellcheck had missed. Or did it?
I got convicted again and this time, I paid attention as the Lord chastised me for abusing the spellcheck program. He gently reminded me that He (through my co-worker) had pointed out some mistakes as I was making them, and I ignored Him. How many times have we decided to wait to repent? Kind of do a general end of the day sort of repentance for “everything I may have done wrong” instead of acknowledging our sins as they occur (or at least as we become of aware of them)?
Spellcheck is legalistic in that it is not designed to determine intent, only content. A properly spelled word used out of context will pass a spellcheck. We must monitor our message continually to make sure that what we intend to communicate is accurately being communicated. Our lives are a message and they too must be checked as we go to insure our good intentions are not being missed or misrepresented by poor content.
Before spellcheck programs, you had to type slowly and accuracy ruled the day. Mistakes were costly and took time to correct. Too many little mistakes and the entire process had to start over again. There is value and a lesson in that. Slow down and do it right the first time. Make a conscious effort to minimize your mistakes. Do not be deceived into thinking that all technology translates to spiritual life…some things are best done slowly, deliberately, and with purpose. Growing in Christ is one of those things. There is no “app” for it.
Don’t live a Christian life that relies on spellcheck to catch your mistakes. Slow down and pay close attention to the life you are living, the message you are sending. Do it right the first time. Look for mistakes and fix them. Listen for correction and instruction and receive them, implement them and minimize the need for spellcheck in your life.
His grace is abundant and amazing…His mercy endures forever, but we LIVE by faith and obedience is the way we best communicate our love for Him.
“The spelling and grammar check is complete.”
Everyday God... 