We Live in a Time When Common Sense Is Not So Common
The problem with common sense
If you haven't said it, you've probably heard something like—"Use some common sense!" It’s an admonition to use good judgment, act wisely, or think wisely before making a decision.
Whatever happened to common sense? If it's so common, why isn't there more of it? It turns out... common sense isn't so common after all.
Sadly, common sense or sound judgment seems in short supply. The idea of good judgment that follows logical, rational thought just isn't so common or ordinary.
There's no question that it's valued, but it doesn't appear to be common for the general population. Why not? What seems to be the hindrance?
Common sense, in order to be good, sound judgment, needs to have a sound basis or origin. Is there really such a thing as common sense? Yes, but at present, it's suppressed in our culture by what's popular, trendy, or whatever is most appealing.
For common sense to be sound, it needs to have a frame of reference and a reliable point of origin. Also, consistency and continuity are required for something to be common or accessible to everyone.
When something is uncommon, it’s in contrast, or at least significantly different, from what is common. For something to be an exception to the rule, there needs to be a rule—a standard.
Currently, common sense gets pushed aside with a new common. The new standard is relativism and individual preference. These have become a new frame of reference for truth, morality, fulfillment, and even spiritual truth or spirituality.
Consider how flexible and accommodating companies and the service industry have become. Menus with "no substitutions or changes" are going by the wayside. Most of the time, you can have it your way for a small up-charge.
The consumer public wants their preferences to prevail. We don't want what everybody else has unless it's customized to suit us. This demand for accommodation and individuality permeates our present-day culture in so many ways.
Even the truth is affected, or should I say, infected with this expectation of individualistic expression. Individualized interpretation of the truth results in confusion and a lack of understanding of theology and genuine spirituality.
When everyone has their own interpretation of the truth or what truth is, there’s no reliable standard to base truth on, which also affects what we accept as sound judgment.
Scripture
The teachings of a wise person are a fountain of life
to turn ⌊one⌋ away from the grasp of death.
Good sense brings favor,
but the way of treacherous people is always the same.
Any sensible person acts with knowledge,
but a fool displays stupidity. (Proverbs 13:14-16 GW)
(Context—Proverbs 13:14-25 GW)
Simple Insights
Webster’s Dictionary defines common sense as sound judgment based on simple perception. Good sense is based on what is reasonable or common knowledge.
We warn young children not to touch the flames of a fire or a hot stove. If there’s a lightning storm, it’s wise to stay out of the water or out in an open space. We know these things from experience or at the expense of someone else’s misfortune.
We can also describe common sense as discretion or wisdom. This is the intent and purpose of the Book of Proverbs—to pass on common sense for a person to gain wisdom and use discretion in daily life.
Common sense needs a common point of reference as its basis—some understood standard. Otherwise, it has no lasting value. For navigating life and our relationships, we also need consistent and reliable values.
When you or I go to buy something at a store or fill the car with fuel, it matters what the cost is based on. What taxes are added to the cost? When measuring things, is it metric or American standards? When traveling abroad, we need to know what currency is used and what is the exchange rate based on?
So, what standard do you base your life values on? What truth are you relying on?
When you rely on your own interpretations of the Bible and its truth, you'll run into the same troubles as others who choose to go their own way and common sense will elude you.
If the truth of God in the written Scriptures isn't your point of reference, you don't have a trustworthy standard of truth. This is the message of the wise writings throughout Proverbs.
There is plenty of wise counsel in this 13th chapter of Proverbs. So, read through all of it. You will find the wisdom both encouraging and cautionary. All the wisdom should help a person develop genuine common sense with a godly perspective.
So, keep in mind—
Good sense brings favor (Prov 13:15 GW)
Reflection—
Do you think you have common sense and good judgment? What truth are you relying on? If God's truth isn't your point of reference, you don't have a trustworthy standard of truth and likely lack sound judgment.
Prayer Focus—
Seek the Lord regarding whether or not you have common sense based on His truth. Ask God to give you discernment and confirmation of what good sense is and if you have it and are experiencing His favor.
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