No More Red Pens
Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand. Psalm 37:24 (ESV)
Did you know that some schools have banned red pens? Their reasoning? Well, according to them, it has a negative psychological impact on children. While doing a little research on this subject, there are valid points on each side. Red marks more easily draw attention to problem spots and teachers can quickly count mistakes. These same red notations immediately equal failure to many students and cause anxiety.
Currently I have been doing lots of subbing in two local Christian schools and I have noticed that there are few red pens to be found in teacher’s supplies. It has also come to my attention that kids are more apt to read comments in violet, light green or sky blue. Just sayin’!
What would our life tests look like if Jesus corrected them in red flair or red ink? Every day we make bloopers and blunders. If we were sternly called to the principal’s office for each, I am absolutely sure we would be emotionally scarred for life.
We serve a loving and forgiving God! While He does hold us accountable for our thoughts and actions, He does not get out His red pen; humiliating us with cross outs and do overs.
With our errors, we may have to deal with natural consequences, His correction is usually gentle in nature and it is done in a way that draws us closer to living a Christ-like life while here on earth. If He is unable to garner our attention, He speaks louder and we may even feel the pinch of the Holy Spirit. It is not to hurt us, but to help us pay attention to the lesson being taught.
We will never graduate from life lessons. Thankfully, they are going to be around until we draw our last breath. The good news is this: It is possible to pass these tests the first time. For many, it might take two or three tries but remember: Therefore, there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior] (Romans 8:1, AMP).
Please, throw away all your red pens so you’re not tempted to mark anyone else’s papers ever again.
Heavenly Father, You are our forever teacher. Please help us understand how to handle our errors and the mistakes of others without pointing any fingers or bringing them to everyone’s attention. AMEN.