The Overwhelming Necessity For Common Sense in a Believer’s Daily Walk with Christ!

01 Aug 2025 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 10:16.        Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of the wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless (innocent) as doves.

Here it is friends, the first day of August, our last official month of summer. Let’s hope that it takes it time and doesn’t run away from us like the last two did. But remember, it’s also our responsibility to keep pace with it and not let it get away from us. And the shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ have been long and loud, for this our August long weekend, our Civic Holiday, Simcoe Day or whatever day we choose to call it. But the first Monday in August is always a holiday. That means the celebrations will also be loud and long, but as always, there’s this warning to be careful and exercise a modicum of circumspection, so that no untoward disasters will occur.

Yes, let’s use some common sense as we celebrate, although I know that common sense is not very prevalent in our society right now, (smile) but it will certainly do us a lot of good if we try to bring it back, to re-instill it in our irresponsible societal ways. And since we’re on the topic of common sense that seems to be absent from our society, I guess now would be the right time to talk about it. And what exactly is common sense?

This commentary explains it thus: ‘Common sense is the basic level of sound practical knowledge and judgment that most people possess and rely on in everyday situations. It’s often described as the knowledge that is shared by nearly all people and is considered self-evident or requiring little reflection.’ And that seems right, it’s a basic sense of good judgement that we all ought to share in our daily doings.

And don’t think it’s only a secular concept, of course not, for the Bible has a lot to say about common sense, even if it does not call it that. This commentary further explains that ‘God grants common sense to the upright, leading to understanding, protection, and success. The verses encourage seeking wisdom and discernment, suggesting that godly common sense is a valuable asset for navigating life’s challenges.’ And so it is my people.

So let’s look at a few scriptures that highlight common sense. And since the Proverbs of Cousin Sol is a Book of wisdom, many of them are found there, like this one from Proverbs 2: ‘He layeth up (stores up) sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler (shield) to them that walk uprightly.’ (Prov. 2:7) Or as this translation puts it: “He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.” There we see, common sense being linked with integrity and honesty.

Then listen to this one: ‘When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul: Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee.’ (Prov. 2:10-11) So, when you acquire wisdom and understanding, you will be better able to make good and godly decisions. Or, as one commentary says: ‘This passage highlights the protective and beneficial aspects of wisdom and understanding, which are closely related to common sense.’ And is it ever! For if the world had more godly wisdom and understanding, it would certainly not be in the disastrous and chaotic state it’s now in.

And what about these verses? ‘My son, let not them depart from thine eyes; keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace (favour) to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.’ (Prov. 3:21-23) Yes friends, common sense and discernment, are indeed riches, like jewels around our necks. They also provide favour, godly goodness to our souls, and they keep us safe in our Christian walk. They emphasize the value of common sense for guidance and protection.

But Cousin Sol is not the only one who emphasized the use of common sense in their writings. Hear this verse from Bruh Paul to the Corinthians. ‘Brethren, be not children in understanding; howbeit in malice be ye children (babes), but in understanding be ye men (mature).’ (1 Cor. 14:20) There, he’s admonishing them for being small minded and evil. Or as this translation puts it:  “Brothers and sisters, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.” This verse encourages believers to develop mature and discerning thinking, which is a component of common sense.’

And our last scripture on common sense is one from Jesus, when he sends out the disciples to witness to the children of Israel. He says to them: ‘Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of the wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless (innocent) as doves.’ (Matt. 10:16) Jesus is sending the disciples out in dangerous territory, but he expects them to use the wisdom and understanding, He’s taught them, to develop common sense. And I like how this commentary explains it: ‘This verse, while not directly using the term “common sense,” calls for a balance of shrewdness (wisdom) and innocence (purity), which is a practical application of common sense.’

So, my fellow believers, we see that the scriptures are filled with verses on common sense. And as the commentary further explains: ‘These scriptures suggest that common sense is not merely a secular concept but a divinely given quality that helps individuals make wise decisions, navigate life’s challenges, and experience God’s blessings.’ And our first step of common sense in any situation is always to pray. So let’s do that right now nuh, by going to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant  to ask for divine intervention in our disastrous earthly affairs.

Altogether: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough…  because our many serious problems are escalating instead of improving. And it’s obvious we can’t fix them on our own, so Lord, we’re desperately crying out for your help. Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land. We therefore ask you Lord to give our leaders the wise guidance to manage these unexpected storms properly. And please help the rest of us to be responsible and to stay safe amidst all the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times.

We fervently pray too Lord that you’ll use the discontent and dissatisfaction in our land as a means of restoring faith in you. Return backsliders to your fold. Show them the error of their ways. And please introduce a new flock of believers, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. So that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’

And friends, though we pray all day, every day, unless we improve our witness for Christ, divine intervention will not be forthcoming. Jesus has done His part, we now have to do ours. And we have all the tools to do it. So, all that’s necessary, is for us to get up off of our fannies and do it! Much LOVE!…talk can be strong…but wise action is always stronger…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 November 2013 Matthew 5:12

03 Nov 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 5:12.   Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Oh Friends, the church bells are tolling this beautiful Sunday morning! They’re tolling to invite us to fellowship and worship as the body of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ down here on earth! Wow! What a special benefit and honour to be numbered in that most august society!

Many of you may remember growing up with the church bells pealing every Sunday morning and evening, calling all the faithful to the house that Christ built. I remember them quite vividly, because I lived only a couple minutes walk away from St. Andrews Anglican in Scarborough, Tobago, and I’d use them as a time piece, listening for when the last bell begin to toll, then I’d hustle off to get there just in time.

There were either two or three tollings, I don’t remember, but back then, when the bells pealed, you knew that almost the whole community was getting ready to go to church, regardless of their denomination. Unfortunately though, church bells tolling as a means of inviting the faithful to worship is now a thing of the past, like prehistoric dinosaurs.

The youth of today don’t even know that church bells existed, for there are very few around now, and even fewer toll, and likewise, even fewer attend church regularly. But my brethren, going to church and fellowshipping with others of like faith, is exactly one of the things Jesus had in mind when He commanded us to ‘Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.’

That’s because it’s much easier for believers to rejoice and be exceedingly happy, in spite of persecution, when they are gathered together worshipping and praising Almighty God, whether it be in a church, a house, a thatched hut, a cave or in the open air. Togetherness is the bedrock, the foundation of Christ’s body! No wonder we’re not making the progress we should, since that body is so fragmented, divisive, quarrelsome and resentful of each other.

But Friends, it’s virtually impossible for us to stand strong in the face of persecution when we’re not in sync with each other. That only gives the forces of evil an excellent opportunity to further divide and conquer us. For as logic declares, a group can usually stand stronger together against a common enemy, than a single individual.

And my people, coming together is one of the things we desperately need to concentrate on, if we’re to ever survive the challenges and persecution that the evil world powers are plotting against us. And even as a group, we can’t do it without the omnipotence of Jesus working in and amongst us. So please, let’s seriously concentrate on coming together, rather than drifting further apart nuh. That’s the only hope we have of strengthening and growing Jesus’ LOVE Revolution.

And I have the perfect quote for that from an article I read earlier on in the Anglican Newspaper, November 2013 edition. I copied it for use at some future time, but in God’s mysterious workings, (smile) that time seems to be now. It’s written by Bishop Patrick Yu, on the subject of inviting people to church.

He writes that ‘Growth is actually the sign of all living things, including a living faith and a living church!’ Now that’s gospel truth my people! If we’re not growing in faith and fellowship, then to all intents and purposes, we’re spiritually dead.

Anyway, enough sermonizing from me for today. (smile) Let’s get to the scriptures I faithfully promised you yesterday. And the first one deals with the first part of our Bit: ‘Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:’

Peter puts it this way: ‘Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as (to the extent that) ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.’ (1 Pet.4:12-13)

Yeh Friends, it’s definitely not an easy concept to grasp and then hold on tightly to, but we do need to believe that when we suffer for Jesus’ sake, we’re part of His suffering. Therefore, when He comes back in all His majestic glory, then we too shall participate in the overwhelming joy during those momentous times!

And James say it thus: ‘My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (various trials). Knowing this, that the trying (testing) of your faith, worketh (produces) patience.’  (James 1:2-3)

Short and sweet eh Friends! (smile) What a way we doing a lotta smiling today mih breddren! But that’s just the way it ought to be, if we’re exceedingly glad.

Now here’s what the scholars have to say: ‘1:2-3. In this epistle on Christian living, James opens with a most crucial topic: the trials of life. These verses describe the various testings – whether from the world and Satan, or from God – into which godly Christians fall (Gr. peripipto). These “negative” experiences are to be accepted with great joy, not for the sake of the trial itself but because of the positive work God can accomplish through the testing.

The words in verses 2 and 3 (temptations and trying) are often regarded as virtually synonymous. If this were true, then the trials themselves would produce spiritual maturity. But they do not. Often, testings make Christians bitter instead of better, with no spiritual growth occurring. The Greek word for “trying” (dokimion) might be better translated as “approving.”

It is not merely one’s presence in such trials but one’s victory over them that brings spiritual growth and maturity. Those Christians whom God can use the most are those whom God has bruised the most.’

And all God’s people said a low, unenthusiastic ‘Amen,’ because they know that’s the living truth, and it’s hard for the flesh to handle!

But enough for today Friends, I don’t want to stretch your intelligence and busy lives by running on too long. (smile) So let’s ponder all that we’ve said and heard, then make some good and godly decisions, in as many areas as we can, obviously with the help of Jesus. Much LOVE!

…for whom the bells toll…for all mankind…why…so that they can come to Christ…to acknowledge Him as Lord and Saviour…and receive the free…but oh so wonderful gifts of salvation and everlasting life…