There is a saying that we have all used. “It’s just common sense”. Common sense tells us not to drive on the wrong side of the road, it tells us to stop at a Stop Sign and look both way before crossing… Well, we look anyway, even if we don’t actually stop. Common sense tells us to go the other way if we see lions or tigers or bears coming our way. Common sense can be very helpful in many parts of life. It keeps us out of trouble and out of danger.
Now some of us would say the common sense is on the decline. If you have ever watched any of those videos about people doing stupid stuff, you will agree. Robbers take video of themselves stealing stuff, and then post the videos on the web, just to make sure they get caught. People lie and cheat to get what they want, with no real understanding of the consequences. Of course I’m just as bad. I get behind the wheel of my car, and I sometimes do stupid stuff, completely ignoring my common sense that tells me I should know better. I guess common sense only works if you listen to it.
There is another kind of sense that is not at all common. The kind I’m talking about is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit speaks to me regularly, and when I listen, he also keeps me out of trouble. The great thing about the Holy Spirit is that He is all knowledgable about what I should do. That is really cool, but I still have to listen to him and act if I am going to get the benefit of His knowledge. Trouble is, I don’t always do that. Getting into a competition with another driver is one example.
The Bible tells us to Pray without ceasing. I take that to mean that we need to listen to the Holy Spirit when He speaks, which can be pretty much any time of the day or night. Here is more of that verse;
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; (even when you’re driving) for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.”
I like that first part, pray all the time, and be happy while you are doing it. Then the last part comes in with a kicker, Do not quench the Spirit. Kind of like saying pay attention and listen. Don’t ignore Him.
If I would take my own advice, I think I might do a lot less crazy stuff behind the wheel. That is my goal, do less crazy stuff, and listen to the Un-common Sense of the Holy Spirit. How about you?
