THE ART OF LETTER WRITING

Sales of pens and paper—especially expensive models and decorative varieties—have risen consistently in recent years. In Britain, for example, the market for personal stationery and writing instruments rose by a healthy 9% between 2001 and 2005, reaching £527 million.

Is this evidence of a growing popularity for letter writing?

Despite bringing joy to merchants, sales of pens and paper do not yield high quality writing, nor are they evidence of a revived interest for the craft. A short stroll through popular culture leaves little doubt that the art of letter writing is on the decline, even if sales of the tools are not.

Just as appearances make a difference, writing a thoughtful letter is a discipline that stands out as a hallmark of a civilized society. Written with forethought, a well-tailored letter or email often proves to be a faithful friend in your absence, serves as your personal ambassador, and remains an excellent way to demonstrate a godly example. Words and how we use them are important to God (Prov. 25:11).

Degeneration of Language

One of America’s most well-known experts on etiquette and social conduct began her ascent to fame in the 1920s. Emily Post, whose handbook Etiquette: The Blue Book of Social Usage was published in 1922, quickly became the country’s foremost authority on proper behavior in almost every situation. Post devoted several chapters to the etiquette of letter writing, beginning with bemoaning the fact that the practice was diminishing. “The art of general letter-writing in the present day is shrinking,” she declared, “until the letter threatens to become a telegram, a telephone message, a post-card.”

Post argued that the youth of her day, the “smart set,” did not see the value in putting forth the effort to write a letter when a simple phone call would do.

Though complaints about the apathy of youth come from every older generation, our nation’s advances in technology (think of cellphones and Instant Messaging software) foster an informal and sometimes even disrespectful attitude.

Worse still, the anonymity that the Internet often provides allows a carnal attitude to prevail without fear of accountability. There, moral sense disappears and standards relax; the lowering of the bar continues onward. In this age, the degeneration of language has real consequences—and the lowering of communication standards is occurring faster than in Emily Post’s day.

God Values Quality

Quality in all areas of life is important to God. He wants us to excel, to achieve our goals, and to reach our incredible human potential. God wants us to enjoy the benefits of valuing quality.

Consider also, “The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times” (Psa. 12:6). As we are taught to copy God’s behavior—His way of thinking and His conduct—we should also parallel His commitment to the written word. In fact, God so values the written and spoken word that He will bring a new, universal language in the Millennium (Zeph. 3:9).

Throughout the Bible, it is obvious that God values the kind of language we use. But to achieve God’s standards, effort is required. In schools and workplaces throughout the world, the prevailing attitude toward proper language and good writing is essentially against high standards. Regardless, you will be encouraged by the results of a well-written letter.

Effective Writing

Imagine trying to impress a friend with a cellphone text message that reads like a vanity license plate: “Wuz up? i have gr8 idea meet me at ur house l8r.”

Now imagine sending such a message to your employer asking for a raise. Will you be offered a raise—or will you be offered a different line of work (i.e., shown the door)?

Although the text message writing style is popular, it simply does not reflect the standard set for any civilized society, much less for God’s people. Indeed, the quality of your writing is a direct reflection upon you—it does make a difference.

Before you put your pen to paper, or fingers to a keyboard, first consider these points:

• Address your goal and organize your information. Do you wish to convey the story chronologically, or from the general to the specific? Perhaps the intent is best expressed by highlighting individual ideas, supported with evidence for each.
• Be aware of your audience—customize your phrases and words to fit the reader’s intent, expectations and current understanding. Interesting writing requires that you place yourself in the position of the reader.
• Always use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. Without the proper use of these essential tools, you are setting the stage for spotlighting crude manners and carelessness.
• Err on the side of formality. This stance offers respect for your audience, and it will likely be reciprocated within the mind of the reader.
• Approach the entire letter in light of the details. Think of how each word and sentence could impact the entire letter. Strike phrases that do not add meaning.

Your Ambassador

Once these points have been addressed in your mind, begin to write in your own voice, your own personality. Treat grammar and punctuation with the same care as you might when preparing your appearance for Sabbath services. Then print the letter on high-quality paper. The reader will notice the difference as surely as someone would notice that you are dressed in a well-fitted suit.

It should be clear at this point that what you write demonstrates a reflection of your behavior toward your audience. Your writing should be as formal as the situation dictates.

Additionally, the tone and manner of your phrases should walk your reader through the content without being an impediment, a speed bump. There is a genuine art—complex layers of meaning and style woven into a whole—to writing a letter that simply cannot be expressed through the crude and deliberately misspelled language encountered in today’s culture. Such language is akin to listening to a symphony played on a kazoo. Not only is the concept laughable, but there is no hope to recover any real appreciation of the author’s intent from that experience.

Beyond a Simple Letter

Lastly and most importantly, remember that anything worth doing is worth doing well (Ecc. 9:10). Place an emphasis on quality throughout your life, and the appreciable skills enjoyable to you and those around you will come naturally; the ability to write an engrossing, communicative letter is just one example.

Consider this: the apostle Paul’s 13 divinely inspired letters are among the most well-known, studied and quoted books of the Bible. God understands that language is important to relationships and even to your mindset. As you think, so shall you do—as such, God inspired Paul to write precisely, lucidly and logically.

Acquiring the skill to write effectively gives you an opportunity to pattern an aspect of your behavior after God’s example, strengthening relationships and fostering a positive environment.

So go ahead and write a quality letter today!