Recently I was asked if there is a relationship between positive faith and common sense. As I thought on this subject, I came to the conclusion that it all depends on the definition that we accept. If we will agree with the definition of the Webster's dictionary, which says that it is the power of the mind which, by a kind of instinct, or a short process of reasoning, perceives truth, the relation of things, cause and effect, &c. and hence enables the possessor to discern what is right, useful, expedient, or proper, and adopt the best means to accomplish his purpose, we may rightfully say that common sense is good, that it needs to be praised and pursued.

Personally, I understand common sense as an art of well-balanced living, when all different aspects of our personality are integrated, and work together as one and harmonious whole. Having common sense, we allow our love to be balanced with wisdom. We allow our zeal to be balanced with understanding. Knowing that the Divine Order is active in our world, we refuse to judge and to act too quickly. We grow in power and in wisdom, and yet we are able to accept a certain level of vulnerability and uncertainty, being aware of the Truth that we don't always have to be in control. We stay peaceful and calm, trusting in God, who is greater than our challenges.

However, when I hear and read how people use this phrase in everyday' language, I get slightly different impression. So often it is used to describe mental stiffness and conservatism, an attachment to old and proven attitudes and ideas of what is good and right. Those who rise up the banner of common sense often blame new trends and mourn over good old days, when things were done in a particular manner. Should I agree with them? No, I don't think so.

I believe that it is foolish to mourn over good old days. Those days were not as good as they seem to be now, from the distance. And our present days are not as bad as some critics describe them.

Do not say, Why was it that the former days were better than these? For you do not ask wisely in regard to this.
(Ecclesiastes 7:10).

It is true that not all of the new trends look good but let us not judge too quickly. Let us wait. This is what both Jesus and Paul advised us to do. Rather, let us believe that there is a seed, or potential for goodness in all there is. All things can work together for good, and it is our God-given task to discover that good.

If people use common sense as another name for fear and unwillingness to move forward, I think they are greatly mistaken.

If people regard common sense as a blind determination to hold on to their old opinions, irregardless of changes that happen all around us, I do not agree that such attitude is worthy to be accepted as a guidance. Our forefathers always did that is a poor argument. They did the best that they knew at their level of understanding, but it does not mean that we cannot reach higher and achieve more.

If people refuse to grow and to change, I would not call that a common sense. I would call that an uncommon insensitivity. First of all, it is insensitivity to the Spirit of God, who is the Spirit of guidance, change, and continuous revelation. The Spirit is not static. He lives, He moves, and He promotes growth. Are we willing to be open to His transformational work within us and through us?

Let we never be upset with an idea that we need to change, and to continue changing.

Death is one of the faces of change. When something that is limiting us, something that is holding us back dies and moves away, I rejoice over that death. I go on and proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom, and I allow dead to bury their dead. Untrue ideas are not able to sustain themselves forever, and it is a good thing.

True common sense hasn't died, and will never die. Nothing that is established on the Truth can ever die. If you are looking for the common sense, know that you will find it within yourself. The Spirit of God within you is the Spirit of Common Sense.

"For God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power, and of love, and of wise discretion."
(2 Timothy 1:7, Darby Translation).

Welcome to the reality of who you are.

Don't look back. These days are the best days in our life.