It are National Grammar Day! (see what I did there?)

The word “Grammar” is derived from the Greek “grammatikē technē” which means “art of letters,” according to Wikipedia. Grammar is the set of rules by which sentences are structured; although we think of it as punctuation and spelling, it really means syntax and usage and all that fun stuff that grammarians and linguists study. Without these rules, we could not communicate.

“Purple upon being spiders an hysterically.” Say hello to a sentence that follows no grammar rules. It’s a slap-shod attempt at meaning by throwing random words together and slapping a period at the end to pretend it’s declaring something. Blech.

People don’t like to talk about rules and structure but it is within this structure that authors can create the beauty and art of language. Sentences such as the following:

“It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.”

“Cry havoc and release the dogs of war.”

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

What a perfect transition into the spiritual application of today’s post. I am unashamedly a believer in a six-day creation and a young earth. I’m not a scientist, and I’m not a theologian, but both science and theology support the Word of God and the clear indication in Scripture (and not just Genesis) that God created the world by the Word of His mouth.

Furthermore, in this creation, God designed laws of nature. Rules that allow the natural world to exist and function in such variety, color, and beauty — from the most minute creatures to the enormous whirling galaxies across the universe. All designed in an artistry that no human can rival.

Just as sentences need order and structure to fulfill the purpose of communication, the order of creation fulfills a purpose too. It shows us that God is not capricious and arbitrary and that He has a plan. Not just for the universe, but for each soul individually. A plan to redeem mankind and return the earth back to the authority of His Son.

We have one day set aside to be thankful for grammar, but we have everyday to be thankful for the orderliness and might of God.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge.

There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.

Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.” (Ps 19:1-6 NKJV)