Common Sense

From My Perspective - - -

Whatever happened to practical common sense in our culture? Why are people so easily swayed into behavior and protest without first finding out whether or not there is any basic common sense for a cause of action? Why do people allow themselves to be a part of those who embrace the “herd instinct”? Have people of the 21^st Century lost their ability to think for themselves and to make wise and sensible choices for ones life? One might do well to review the pamphlet circulated by Thomas Paine in 1776 – Common Sense – wherein he issued a challenge to the British Government and Royal Monarchy. One of his thoughts was:“Government by kings was first introduced into the world by the Heathens, from whom the children of Israel copied the custom. It was the most prosperous invention the Devil ever set on foot for the promotion of idolatry. The Heathens paid divine honors to their deceased kings, and the Christian World hath improved on the plan by doing the same to their living ones. How impious is the title of sacred Majesty applied to a worm, who in the midst of his splendor is crumbling into dust! As the exalting one man so greatly above the rest cannot be justified on the equal rights of nature, so neither can it be defended on the authority of scripture; for the will of the Almighty as declared by Gideon, and the prophet Samuel, expressly disapproves of government by Kings.”

Perhaps we need a new voice and pamphlet that might return our nation and people to a Common Sense Approach for our day. However, and sadly, The Obituary - The Death of Common Sense – seems closer to our identity. In part, it states: “Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn’t always fair, and maybe it was my fault. Common sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults are in charge not children). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of an 8 year old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch, and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. Common sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student, but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses, and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common sense finally gave up the will to live, after a women failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common sense was preceded in death, by His parents, truth and trust; His wife, discretion; His daughter, Responsibility; His son, reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers - I know my rights; I want my rights; I want it now; I’m a victim. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.”

The Bible is a practical collection of books detailing (1) what mankind is to believe concerning God, and (2) what duty/duties God requires of mankind. However, sometimes Common Sense is lost within the methodology employed by those who are stating they are rightly handling the Word of God. A practical common sense approach to be followed is stated in II Timothy 3:14-17, “…you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of…and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Common Sense regarding the Bible is: Believe it and do it! Consider these things with me!