{"id":3436,"date":"2016-05-08T09:00:48","date_gmt":"2016-05-08T14:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.barbdahlgren.com\/?p=3436"},"modified":"2016-05-01T22:29:05","modified_gmt":"2016-05-02T03:29:05","slug":"choose-to-use-common-sense","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/barbdahlgren.com\/?p=3436","title":{"rendered":"Choose to Use Common Sense"},"content":{"rendered":"

Another Year of Choices<\/em><\/p>\n

By Barbara Dahlgren<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Common<\/a>Last time we discussed the importance of wisdom.\u00a0\u00a0 There is a fine line between wisdom and common sense. Wisdom is the ability to discern and judge what is good or true. However, common sense is good sense and sound judgment in practical matters. Common sense needs no specialized knowledge or training. It is just everyday stuff that people should know. That\u2019s why they call it \u201ccommon.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, the phrase \u201ccommon sense\u201d is almost a misnomer today, because it isn\u2019t very common anymore.<\/p>\n

The Bible says, \u201cFolly is a joy to him who has no sense\u2026\u201d (Proverbs 15:21) I found one translation that used the word \u201cwisdom\u201d here, but the rest use \u201csense.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 In fact, the International Standard Version goes so far as to say, \u201cStupidity is the delight of the senseless.\u201d I\u2019m not saying those who lack common sense are stupid, but they certainly are irritating.<\/p>\n

Some people don\u2019t care if they hurt or inconvenience others because they are looking out for themselves.\u00a0\u00a0 In their minds they are the most important people in the world. They don\u2019t really lack common sense; they are just rude and arrogant! However, those without common sense don\u2019t even know what they are doing is inappropriate.<\/p>\n

Here is a prime example\u2026 A few years ago my husband and I went to a movie in the middle of the day. I\u2019m sure you know why \u2013 cheaper prices, less of a crowd, etc. Since this very large theater was empty, we got to sit in our favorite spot \u2013 right in the middle of the theater. Just before the movie started, a family of four came in, moseyed into the row ahead of us, and sat directly in front of us.\u00a0\u00a0 This was before stadium seating, so we would have to peer over and around their heads to see the show.\u00a0\u00a0 Five hundred seats to choose from and they pick the ones obstructing our view.\u00a0\u00a0 Apparently clueless, one of them looked back at us and said, \u201cI hope this movie is good!\u201d<\/p>\n

We smiled. As the previews of coming attractions started to roll, my husband whispered, \u201cDo you want to move?\u201d<\/p>\n

I responded quietly with, \u201cYes!\u00a0\u00a0 I want to move directly in front of them.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 But we didn\u2019t. Wisdom dictated it would be better not to make an issue out of this, so we just moved four seats to the left.<\/p>\n

Synonyms for the lack of common sense might be words like oblivious, unaware, dense, thick, unobservant, foolish, and clueless.\u00a0\u00a0 I hesitate to use the word stupid because some very academic, highly intelligent people can be clueless.<\/p>\n

Consider this\u2026 We as Christians should not be oblivious, dense, foolish or clueless. We should be aware and observant. We should be attuned to those around us and concerned about what we do because it influences and affects others. It also impacts our own lives.<\/p>\n

Common sense would have us ask a few questions before we do the simplest of tasks. If I do this, what will happen? Will it inconvenience others? Will it hurt me? Will it hurt others?<\/p>\n

Those who lack common sense should definitely ask God for it. And those who have it should ask God for the wisdom and love to deal with those who don\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Suggestions for practicing this choice\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n