Common Sense



Psa 119:66  Train me in good common sense; I'm thoroughly committed to living 

	your way. 


	My son and I were recently at a particular resell shop, in search of a 

guitar chord for his guitar. There were several guitars hanging along the wall 

behind the counter and one of them caught Haydn's eye right away. Though a 

commonly known manufacturer made it, there was a special name for its particular 

design. Haydn pointed to the guitar and asked the man behind the counter if it 

was indeed this guitar, using its unique name. The reply he got from the man was 

just a dry, "No, that's a guitar." As it was also spoken with a less than 

distinguished accent, there was an immediate assumption that maybe this 

gentleman was just a little underprivileged in his education and operating way 

below his potential. It really didn't take very long, however, to discover that 

this man was anything but ignorant and his comment had just been an attempt at 

joking with us. He proved himself very knowledgeable about different pieces of 

gear we looked at and then was very willing to discuss politics, computers and 

anything else that was brought up. Though he didn't necessarily come across as a 

highly educated individual according to his appearance and talk, there was a 

certain understanding for living displayed. He seemed to possess a wisdom 

obtained from living that might be considered just good old common sense. 

	It is possible to read a manual and learn how to follow directions to the 

minutest detail. In acquiring all the information on exactly how things should 

be done, there may also be an acquired ability to impress and get all kinds of 

accolades for this wealth of knowledge we've been able to store up. We can learn 

to speak just the right way and represent this higher "life" in the way we look 

and act. It is also possible, though, in all of this scholastic and social 

achievement, to never really develop in the simple ability to perceive truth in 

life and make decisions based upon this "common sense". Though this 

understanding is available to all, regardless of scholastic achievement, (hence 

the word "common") it can be the least displayed sometimes in the those whom the 

world might consider to be the brightest and the best. It doesn't come 

automatically with any other field of established learning. 

	This "common sense" is most often acquired, not from books and manuals, 

but from associations and relationships. It comes from moments spent with a 

grandfather or father, observing the realities of life and the ways of diligence 

and hard work. It comes from messing up and discovering the consequences of bad 

choices and the rewards of right ones. As these lessons of life are not only 

learned, but also applied to living, there is a development of understanding 

that goes beyond the technical details to the very essential requirements of 

everyday living. Applied in any chosen occupation or career, this is the 

understanding that will carry past the limits of fact knowledge. This is the 

problem solving ability that will set those who possess it apart from those who 

might be trying to just learn the details. 

	I was so glad to come across this scripture from Psalms that refers to 

actually being trained in common sense. While there really is so very much for 

us to learn about our new life in the kingdom of our Father, there is this 

essential element that will cause it all to come together and actually function 

successfully. It will never be enough for us to just learn all the details and 

be able to spout off the "right" answer at the "right" time from our elevated 

learning of the manuals. There will have to be some time spent riding in the 

pickup with our Father, observing His reactions and His words in response to 

life's situations. Our training in this understanding will require constant 

exposure to the infinite wisdom He displays. As we experience the results of our 

right and wrong choices, we will, with the influence of His presence and loving 

correction, learn how to more consistently make the right ones. Living the 

reality of this worship life that's ours in Him, there will be an opportunity to 

apply this common sense to every endeavor of life and go beyond the limits of 

fact knowledge.  Given this ability to perceive the way of righteous living, we 

will be able to rise above the frustrations the details alone might bring and 

live successfully the divine life of abundance in Christ. 

	May our training take place throughout this day in His presence. Let His 

way be seen and taken, and let our relationships with the Father bring the 

"sense" that guides our every choice, our every movement. 




5/12/04