“That guy doesn’t act like he has a brain in his head! If he does, he doesn’t use it.” I doubt I’m the only one who thinks this at times. My mentors taught me all through life that the majority of our problems could be solved by just thinking and using common sense. Problem is, as several people have said, “common sense ain’t too common anymore.” Common sense is the ability to think and behave in a sensible way based on a simple perception of situations. You don’t need specialized academic knowledge. It is a simple understanding of how life works. The Book of Proverbs is a collection of short, pithy sayings giving common sense approaches to practical living according to God’s Word. More than any other book in the Bible, it addresses common sense thinking and equates it with wisdom. It calls those who don’t think this way simple and fools. Solomon wrote, develop common sense, you who are foolish (Prov 8:5 HOL). The word this version translates common sense is used all through the book. Here are several examples of those who lack sense or common sense: one who commits adultery with a woman, who despises his neighbor, who pursues worthless things, and the fool.
Several issues can hinder common sense thinking. The major cause comes from the fact people aren’t taught to think. Critical thinking was the biggest issue we faced with incoming students at the college. We were always challenged by their low evaluation scores and how we could help them. People can know the common sense approach but fail to apply what they know, because of peer pressure, tradition, or fear of ridicule, etc. Others know the common sense answer but are looking for instant gratification and act out of their emotions. Jesus said you shall love the lord your God . . . with all your mind (Matt 22:37, Mk 12:30). Common sense begins with the act of using your mind and thinking through our circumstances. God gave us a brain for a purpose and we show our love for Him by using it to think and reason.
Increasingly, we see people who have no common sense. However, a more alarming trend are those God has apparently turned over to a depraved mind. In Romans 1:18-32, Paul details the process, the characteristics, and decline to the lowest level of sin. He list twenty-one sins filling the person who has fallen into the pit of depravity. This process begins with the rejection of the truth of God, which is available from the creation to all humanity. Three times Paul declares, God gave them over. The third time, And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper (Rom 1:28). The grammar for the word gave them over is not a passive verb meaning God just let go. Rather it is an active verb meaning God takes the sinner to this level who has rejected His truth and delivers him into corruption. Depraved or reprobate (KJV) means a disapproved mind. They failed to approve God in their thinking so He gave them over to a disapproved mind that is unable to think. At this point, they can no longer comprehend the things of God. They cease having the ability of understanding any further spiritual truth.
Only God knows who has been delivered over, but examining the process and characteristics Paul provided, it is obvious numerous people have been fallen to this level. Even more sad and frightening is that many are influential people from actors to leaders. They no longer have the ability to think because their mind has been disqualified. God tested their thinking and they failed the test and their thinking no longer functions properly. Paul warned us that in the last days difficult times will come (perilous times KJV) and people will fall away from the faith turning to deceitful spirits and teaching of demons (2 Tim 3:1; 1Tim 4:1). Regardless of whether we are living in that time or not, we live in a day that is troubled and dangerous. As never before, believers need wisdom and common sense. With people all around us who have lost the ability to think, Christians must think and use their common sense so they are not deceived.
It is easy to become discouraged with all taking place in the world. Yet, we have the promise He would keep us from stumbling (Jud 1:24). You may say that you have never been a person of great wisdom or common sense was never your trait, but God has something for you. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him (Jas 1:5). His wisdom includes common sense, the ability to think and behave in a sensible way and to make good decisions. This SW also serves as a warning to those who are rejecting His truth, you can reach the point when God will give you over to a depraved mind and you will no longer have the ability to think about spiritual truth.
Sustaining Word for the Week: Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you (Isa 41:10 MSG).