It’s Just Common Sense

When Nasa first started sending up astronauts, they quickly discovered that ballpoint pens would not work in zero gravity. To solve this problem, American scientists spent a decade and billions of dollars developing a pen that writes in space, upside down, underwater, on almost any surface (including glass) and at temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 3000 degrees celsius. The Russians meanwhile applied some common sense and used a pencil!

A young driver’s common sense could have saved his life after his car caught fire. The motorist pulled over as soon as he noticed a ‘funny smell’ and realised smoke was coming from the engine. Moments later his car turned into a fireball and was completely destroyed. The fire brigade praised his quick thinking in having the sense to stop and get out.

So what is common sense? Well I thought I’d use some by first turning to a dictionary where it’s defined as, “the basic level of practical knowledge and judgement that we all need to help us live in a reasonable and safe way.” Who would feed a crocodile – let alone sit on one!! It’s like watching a scary film: you know when the person goes out into the dark to investigate a noise when they should stay in the house and you find yourself saying, “Don’t go out there it’s not safe. Use some common sense!” But they never listen to you.

 

Some argue that there’s little sound judgement going on these days. They argue that if common sense was common, then people wouldn’t buy stuff they can’t afford, footballers wouldn’t tweet pictures they later regret and ships captain’s – well they wouldn’t sail too close to rocks endangering the lives of their passengers (as we’ve sadly seen just recently).

Now there are some who wouldn’t agree, but to me infant baptism is common sense. Based on the “entire household” baptisms of the NT where, no doubt, children were welcomed into the church. Based upon Jesus’ welcome of children. Based upon the OT Covenant that the promise is to you and your children. Although these little ones are unable to receive Christ as Lord and Saviour by their own confession, the faith of their parents was enough. And we follow in that tradition today. But something I need to make absolutely clear is this: xxxxx and xxxxx out of a desire to do what’s best for xxxxx have had him Christened. But the water cannot impart salvation. One day xxxxx will have to say for himself, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” – and only by making that personal statement will He be saved for eternal life.

Whatever you decide about infant baptism, since the beginning God has attempted to get people’s attention and to call them into a commitment to live with principles, values and sense of the holiness that God wants from all humanity. Therefore, it’s common sense to see baptism as “an outward sign of an inward spiritual grace” – which is why we call it a sacrament. It reminds us that we are children of God, loved by our creator, and that we are part of a larger family of people. The Church is the body of Christ. It exists to be His voice, hands and feet in proclaiming the Gospel, safeguarding creation, stamping out injustice and responding to human need in loving service. And God wants everyone to be a piece of the jigsaw. There’s no finite number of pieces. We just need to find where we fit in. We’re all important.

However, as the saying goes, “It doesn’t take a rocket scientist (Russian or American!) to figure out that something is desperately wrong with the human race.” Common sense tells us this. Not a Ph.D in ethics or theology. But common sense isn’t enough to please God. In fact when it comes to God we seem to lack good judgement and wisdom, preferring to go our own way rather than His way. The Bible is merely a collection of myths and legends. Our human nature leads us to the road that is easier, more popular and more comfortable. Yet the Bible says whosoever calls on the Lord and enters the narrow way, the more difficult path, shall be saved. It’s a spiritual fact. It’s 100% true. Then there are those who come to the Bible with pre-conceived ideas without even sampling what it has to say. They may recognise Jesus’ uniqueness, His powerful teaching and His authority over evil. They’re dipping a toe in the water, but still haven’t grasped the key to life.

Over the great doorway of the cathedral at Milan are three inscriptions spanning the arches. Upon one arch is carved a wreath of roses, and underneath is the sentence: “All that which pleases is but for a moment.” Over the second is carved a cross with the words: “All that which troubles is but for a moment.” But written on the great central arch are the words: “What is only important is the eternal.” Common sense tells us to slow down and look ahead. It has nothing to do with intelligence. We can be clever on paper but ignorant about what’s really important. We’re not going to be here forever are we? Common sense is the ability to see the obvious. But wisdom is the ability to see beyond the obvious. That’s why Christians believe that the Bible is true and trustworthy because it is the very Word of God.

The first step in real wisdom is to recognise that the Lord is to be feared (Ps.111:10). Psalm 111 plainly declares the reasons to worship Him. So in case we’ve lost our common sense: First consider how great the works of the Lord are: “Glorious and majestic are his deeds, his righteousness endures forever…He is gracious and compassionate.” (vs.3,4). Next, think about His provision and covenant love for His people – symbolised especially today with baptism and the blessing of the Holy Sabbath. Thirdly, remember how God has redeemed His people by promising salvation. “He has paid the ransom and has guaranteed His covenant with them forever.” (v.9).

So common sense, suggests that we should be in awe of God; aware of His great power, authority and glory. He has plainly declared what is truly obvious to anyone who will be honest about it: that we need God in our sinful lives. 

One day, a mother explained to her five-year-old daughter that if she chose to disobey her, she would have to live with – ‘the consequences’. “Oh Mommy,” she said with a terrified look on her face, “Please don’t make me live with ‘the consequences’. I want to live here with you and Daddy!” Every child is born with a sinful nature. Have you ever noticed that you don’t have to teach babies to be selfish? What are among the first words Harry will learn? “No” and “mine!” We all do wrong things. So if we know God is holy and can’t stand sin, then surely it’s common sense we need to do something about it? We won’t have the gift of eternal life if we don’t: “The wages of sin is death.” (Rom.6:23). The consequences. So now that I’ve diagnosed the problem – what’s the solution?

xxxxx you’re a mechanic. When you get home from work, before you play with your son you probably have a bath or shower to wash off all the grease and muck of the day. Trust me I’m not having a go at your personal hygiene but it’s a good example of how we need to be washed clean of all the impurities, our sin, that so offends God. The old saying goes “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” The first is possible – but the second? No amount of water will ever cleanse us. Only renewal by the Holy Spirit and the blood of Jesus on the old rugged cross can do that: “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud…your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” (Is.44:22). This washing, this spiritual cleansing, happens as we lose our pride and respond to the forgiveness, joy, peace and love God offers.

Everybody makes mistakes. It is a part of being human. But we really lack common sense if we say we have no sin. We’re actually deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us (1 Jn.1:8). That’s why I share with you the joy that our sins can be forgiven. Because God has wanted to bless us from day one, and will do so now, we must understand that we need Him and we cannot save ourselves. Common sense would have us say “thank you for a clean slate and changing my nature.” Common sense shows us how we help our children, by bringing them up in Christian homes for “the rewards of wisdom come to all who obey the Lord.” (Ps.111:10). Lastly, this is how the Lord God wants us to live. We must use our common sense to turn to Him: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer.29:11).

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