I make that statement and you probably can agree with it. As I was thinking about the statement, I was reminded that there is always so much happening. Growing up and remembering the things in my lifetime much has happened. I guess that the statement comes from a place of considering what is happening, why it is happening and then what does it mean.
I find that I am always looking at and considering things from the perspective of a Christian. I should do just that because I am a Christian. Now, I am also a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend, neighbor, citizen, and church member. Those define all of the areas in which I engage people and in how I might consider any given matter. You are the same in that because of who you are. You engage people and consider matters based upon who you are.
It can become overwhelming as we consider that there is so much happening. Now there may be more going on but is that really the case? Some will tell us things that they consider are going to satisfy us and therefore allow us to accept what is happening. What can happen and may happen a lot lately is that what we are told and what we see, hear and sense are not the same. Our sight, hearing and senses tell us things aren’t right. Someone recently said that they were told to not believe their lying eyes. That may be funny but remember evidence is evidence. You may come to a different conclusion but the evidence does not change. That is where we are seeing things go astray today. The evidence says one thing but someone then says it means something else.
With so much happening, it is important to then evaluate and consider what to do. As we look around, we find that in many, if not most things, there is little to nothing we can do. Our options are so minimal that we have to find a way to accept the outcome whether we like it or not. This happens often in a country for example, where things are done and there is little to nothing that can immediately be done in order to change.
Now here is where I believe common sense comes into play. Merriman-Webster Dictionary defines common sense as sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts.
With that definition, I can certainly understand why things are the way they are and there is so much happening. Many today have no common sense which is sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts. They look at things from a point of view and commitment that runs a foul of common sense. Remember what we said about evidence? You may come to a different conclusion but the evidence does not change.
Beyond the lack of common sense there is also the apparent loss of the ability to talk to others. Now you might think I am only mentioning this about the world but I am also mentioning it in families, neighborhoods, organizations and even, yes, churches.
Personally I don't want to believe that people whether they are Christian or not can do, say and believe much of what is happening around us. Now for me, it always begins from the perspective of a Christian, but then common sense has a part in how I consider a matter.
Do I think there needs to be robust debate about some things? Yes I do but likewise I think that if that cannot result in a constructive resolution, then it is very simply time to agree to disagree and move on. I always trust there is a way to go forward and possibly even again at a later date attempt to resolve that matter left unresolved.
With this all said when as Christians we are faced with others who might have a different view there must be the opportunity for prayerful discussion. I was recently in a meeting and the topic at hand would require exactly what I am talking about today. Open and prayerful discussion of the topic. All parties understanding that their thoughts, concerns, views can be discussed but that when that is done then the agreement must be to prayerfully ask the Lord for direction.
I always find myself remembering the words of James 1:5 in which he said using the Amplified Bible-
5 If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.
The word that James uses for wisdom is one that means “heavenly knowledge”. When I consider that it is a declaration he is making that God can and will provide us with heavenly knowledge as to a matter. He will hold nothing back and we don’t have to feel bad because we didn’t know it already. Simply He will give it to us.
We don’t avail ourselves of things which God’s Word declares to us. Often we are so focused on getting our way or getting it behind us. Thus, we miss the blessing that Lord has for us. Psalm 46:10 English Standard Version says-
10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Holman Christian Standard Bible says it this way-
“Stop your fighting—…
Stop fighting with God and become quiet before Him to know His way. Then through what he does through you He can and will be exalted among nations and the whole world.
In God’s Grace,
Elbert Nasworthy
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