Grammar matters. Technically speaking, the term “grammar” refers to the foundational elements of an area of knowledge. When applied to language, it refers to the fundamentals of a correct use of that language. Like when using an apostrophe. The absence or misplacement of an apostrophe makes a big difference to the meaning of a sentence. It also can make a big difference in how one lives their life.

When writing sermons or articles, my two major grammatical challenges are with the use of a comma (too many? not enough? where and when?) and the use of an apostrophe (is one required?). For instance, over the years, many have asked about the grammar of the term Shepherds School. It has been suggested that there should be an apostrophe as in Shepherd’s School or Shepherds’ School. In fact, it should be neither. An apostrophe would imply “possession” by a shepherd as in, “This ministry is the domain of a shepherd (i.e. elder) or of the shepherds (i.e. the elders).” But there is no apostrophe because this particular ministry is aimed at equipping church members—plural—to shepherd others. Hence Shepherds School—a school for shepherds. So, why the grammar lesson? Let me explain.

Recently, reading through Genesis 3, it occurred to me that the fall of Adam and Eve was a problem of a misplaced apostrophe. In fact, the problem was an absent apostrophe. Adam and Eve lost sight of the fact that they were God’s “possession”; they ignored the creation reality that they were under God’s dominion (note the apostrophe). They mistakenly thought they were Gods rather than embracing the privilege and responsibility of being God’s.

You remember that, when Satan tempted Eve, he did so by casting doubt about God’s character. He intimated that God was insecure about being in charge and that the only reason for his commandment prohibiting eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was to keep Adam and Eve from becoming like him (Genesis 3:5). Satan assured them that, if they partook of the forbidden ,fruit they themselves would no longer be God’s (i.e. no longer accountable to him) but rather they would be Gods themselves (i.e. accountable only to themselves). Rather than living accountable because they were God’s, they could live autonomously as Gods. We know what they chose and the result is that the world is a sinful mess by the simple absence of an apostrophe. A mistaken apostrophe in an English grammar examination might result in a failed grade. The sinful dropping of an apostrophe in Eden resulted in a fallen humanity. Sadly, all of us, at different levels, still fail the exam. We choose autonomy over against accountability. We fail to distinguish the difference between being God’s and being Gods. We need to take this spiritual grammar seriously.

When we lose sight that we belong to God, by virtue of him being our Creator, both personal and societal depravity are sure to accelerate (see Romans 1). It is precisely because we reject accountability to God that we set ourselves up as gods. And I use a small “g” to emphasize how foolish that is. We make lousy lords, evidenced by self-centred decisions that prove destructive and damning in the end.

But even Christians can and do fail in this matter of spiritual grammar. We demonstrate this folly when we choose to live autonomously, rejecting accountability to God. We fail to recognise that we are not Gods but are rather God’s. He is our owner both by creation and by new creation. As his purchased possession (Ephesians 1:14), we are empowered by God’s Spirit to live for him rather than to continue being enslaved to ourselves.

When we reckon upon the liberating truth of being God’s rather than Gods we will have little problem submitting to those authorities that God has placed in our lives. Related to this, we will realise the benefit of accountability to one another in the church (Ephesians 5:21). Humble, mutual accountability will trump arrogant, individualistic autonomy. Properly placing the apostrophe in “God’s” will go a long way towards a church community that is focused on the same agenda—God’s agenda. Those who push against an otherwise united congregation, refusing to gather with one another for instruction, worship, fellowship, prayer, and ministry are simply displaying the folly of those who have listened to the satanic lie, “You too shall be as God.” That never ends well. Thousands of years of human history, including church history, testifies to this.

As we commence a new year, I am excited to see how God is at work here at Brackenhurst Baptist Church. In addition to a healthy gathering for Sunday morning worship, many are also attending Family Bible Hour and the evening prayer/worship service. Grace Groups have also gotten off to an enthusiastic—and well-attended—start. Generally, there seems to be the understanding that God’s agenda is embraced by those who are God’s. By God’s grace, may this continue.

Of course this grammatical principle applies equally to every sphere of the Christian life, including our God-focused accountability in the home as spouses, parents, and children. It applies similarly in the workplace, in the classroom, and everywhere else we live. May God help us to live with the awareness that we have been gloriously graced to belong to him as our Saviour and as our Father. Keeping this before us, living Coram Deo will equip us to turn a deaf ear to the evil suggestion that we will be Gods by remembering the inestimable gracious truth that we in fact are God’s.

Doug