Whatever Became of Common Sense?

“The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.” (Proverbs 10:21 NLT)

It seems to me that common sense isn’t very common these days. My sense is that even some who read this post may not even understand what it is. So, let me first give a workable definition, then look at some evidence that it’s not as common today.

Solomon, arguably the wisest man who ever lived, said: “The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead.” (Proverbs 21:16 NLT) “Common sense,” as used in this verse means: “to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand.” (Strong’s) Common sense essentially means to be “capable of exercising sound judgment in practical matters; cautious or discreet in conduct; circumspect, not rash; managing carefully and with economy.” (Webster) “Common” means to share by all or by many, and “sense” has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it’s used.

Years ago, it wasn’t uncommon to hear references to “common knowledge” or “common courtesy,” or even “common belief,” and other things that were held in common, but today it’s rare to hear anything but someone demanding to have their point of view, not only heard, but adhered to.

Jesus had common sense. He understood His environment like no other man did then or could today. He was thoughtful, kind, generous, merciful, yet fully aware of where His words and His sinless life were leading Him. Few today understand those things. Jesus was and is the Sovereign King of Creation, but He lived as a carpenter and friend to those who had little or no standing in their community. He wasn’t looking to make a name for Himself. He wasn’t “upwardly mobile,” in the sense that He wanted to build wealth or material riches on this earth.

His efforts were focused on heaven and His goal was to begin a God-movement that would literally change the way people viewed the world and each other. How do you view yourself? The world? Others? What we really believe is evidenced in the way we live our life.

When I was growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, the divide among people groups wasn’t as wide as it is now. There were the very poor and the very rich, but most people, at least in the U.S., were in the middle. They were paying their bills, loving their kids, going to church, staying married, and being considerate of other people, their opinions, and their property. They shared common goals, common values, and, for the most part, common religious beliefs.

Common sense said: “If you marry, you didn’t divorce.” “If you hurt someone, you made amends.” “If you made a debt, you paid it back.” “Whatever kind of work you did, you made the effort to do and be the best you could do and be.” “Promotions were based on merit and your word was your bond.” “Church and family were important, and God’s Word was revered.” Those values were held in common by the majority of citizens in America. A lot has changed.

Today, truth is relative, and people are encouraged to “look inside themselves” to find meaning, purpose, hope, and fulfillment. Divorce rates are soaring, along with suicides, crime, trust, and many other Biblical values that once guided and guarded this great land. Am I bemoaning the fact things have changed so dramatically? No, not at all. Those days are passed and gone, as Biblical prophecy says they must.

What happened to common sense and all of mankind, is the result of sin, selfishness, and satanic influence. Things aren’t going to get better on earth, only worse. But I’m not longing for what was, I’m longing for what one day soon will be – the return of my Sovereign King who is, once and for all, going to do away with sin, selfishness, and satanic influence. Jesus is my never-changing Hope of a new tomorrow that will be better than anything I could provide for myself or anything this world could ever provide.

Please don’t lose your soul seeking something you’ll never find on this earth. Open your mind and heart to Jesus. Seek His forgiveness and find in Him more than you ever imagined possible, in terms of the good He’ll bring to your life. Please click on the link and watch a 3 minute message by Ron Hutchcraft, who will help you better understand your need of Jesus and what it means to know and love Him. https://hutchcraft.com/the-bridge-to-god

Blessings, Ed 😊