Use of Appropriate Pronouns.

There is much being said about the use of pronouns today. Identifying the correct use of appropriate words that describe people and concepts is highly debated. Today, I want to address the essential use of the correct pronoun. It is essential that the correct pronouns be used to describe the essential element of people and leadership. 

No, this is not an article on the use of pronouns to describe a person’s self-identified language. I am not addressing the use of a politically correct pronoun. It is not an article on how to apply the use of pronouns that people demand be used to address their preferences. Many want their sexual orientation to be properly used when speaking to someone. 

I would only say that those usages are summed up by the pronoun “I”. Almost all self-identified pronouns that are debated today are elements of individuality! It does not, despite the criticism I may receive even stating such a position, identify a community. It is a personal use of self-identifying language that many may say builds community by way of diversity. Yet, all such use of these type of pronouns are self-based, therefore a form of me-ism.

Today’s blog deals with leadership at its basic core. It is neither dictatorial or meant to create hierarchy in organizational structure. The proper use of leadership pronouns does create a unity however. 

The Bible talks about the proper use of pronouns. While this blog entry is not debating whether we should change gender-based language in the scriptures. While many will debate the dominate use of man in the Bible, I contend that this too is a related issue where gender-based interpretation is argued as a form of self-identified use of me-ism. We want the Bible to speak exact language use without any contextual understanding of the original language used.

Inclusion is important when interpreting the Bible. It is a book written to include everyone with the message of the gospel. While this is not a blog entry to debate these arguments often debated in terms of egalitarianism or sexism accusations. I am not debating these points because they too are argued as part of me-ism, no matter how articulate one may be in their point. 

The Apostle Paul is often identified as a sexist. His writings are argued as male dominate focused and therefore sexist! Yet, I don’t find these arguments as without personal bias on the part of those debating these ideas. Therefore, I find them lacking and can be labeled “me” centered; self-centered in nature.

So, that is the point of today’s post? It is a post on the importance of inclusion. It is important to understand that the Bible is meant to be a declaration of the voice of God and the message of the Gospel story; the saving message of God’s love for all. 

When God calls us to faith, it is with the intention of unifying the body of Christ. 

Consider the writings in Thessalonians.

Look at how many times Paul includes his disciples in describing his ministry to the church of Thessalonica:

• "OUR gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power." (1:5)
• "OUR coming to you was not in vain." (2:1)
• "WE proved to be gentle among you." (2:7)
• "WE were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also OUR own lives." (2:8)
• "WE wanted to come to you." (2:18).
• "But now WE really live, if you stand firm in the Lord." (3:8)
• "For you know what commandments WE gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus." (4:2)
• "WE urge you brethren..." (5:14)
• "Brethren, pray for US!" (5:25)

The use of the pronoun that is inclusive not exclusive is key to understanding the point of scripture. The body of Christ is a unit. While each one must receive the personal means of salvation, the unity of the body is important. 

The use of the proper pronoun is important. It is not I but we and our. Proper use of pronouns matters.  

A Christlike leader doesn't have to be the center of attention. A leader whose ego has been crushed by God doesn't push his own agenda, nor does he crave attention. - J. Lee Grady was editor of Charisma for 11 years before he launched into full-time ministry in 2010.

Much of my thinking here today comes from reading the following article.