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 neither 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 grammar. 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.

  — Haddon W. Robinson