July 03, 2024
by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: 2 Thessalonians 3:17
THERE IS NOTHING QUITE like the charm and personal touch conveyed in a handwritten note.
THERE IS NOTHING QUITE like the charm and personal touch conveyed in a
handwritten note. Since our penmanship, like our fingerprint, is altogether
unique, each curve of the letter or stroke of the pen bears its own
originality. Occasionally, it's nice to think some still cared enough to
throw efficiency to the winds and look you right in the eye, as it were,
with their words.
Great documents of history are more valuable because they literally flowed
from the writing instrument held in the hand of the significant person,
including a signature. Such works as the early creeds, the first books,
documents like the Magna Carta, the Constitution of the United States, the
Gettysburg Address, and other original speeches and proclamations, not to
mention journal entries and poems and songs and letters and love notes,
were handwritten. Each helped shape the past and now forms a legacy of
literary treasure so valuable it is beyond price.
I never fail to pause over those rare occasions in Scripture when the
writer makes mention of some facet of the writing of the book or letter. My
imagination and curiosity explode with ideas as I picture Paul, for
example—ancient stylus in hand, the flicker of a candle as a chilly draft
blows through the room, the flow of ink, and such moving words as these
being formed by his fingers:
- "Here is my greeting in my own handwriting—Paul" (Colossians 4:18).
- "Here is my greeting in my own handwriting—Paul. I do this in all my
letters to prove they are from me" (2 Thessalonians 3:17).
- "Timothy, please come as soon as you can. . . . When you come, be sure to
bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and
especially my papers" (2 Timothy 4:9, 13).
Don't allow the hyper-emphasis on speed and efficiency in our day to crowd
out your personal touch. Periodically, spend the time it takes to write out
in longhand your thoughts to a friend-leave a note of encouragement on his
or her desk. Drop a personally written card in the mail. It speaks volumes.
I assure you, the words you push through your fingers will never be
forgotten.