“Well, that’s just common sense! Everybody knows that!” — or do they?

There are many ways God guides us, and one of those is good ol’ common sense. But wait — what’s common to some may not be common to all.

“Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”

Sadly, the term “common sense” is not as applicable as it once was. How many of us agree on the collected “common” — common knowledge, common values, even the common good. As our world changes, and not all for the worse, what once we would call good is now bad, and things that were unthinkable before are now quite “commonplace.”

But thankfully, in and through all of this, God has not changed.

I believe God increases within us a quickening, if you will, of “common sense” as we begin to walk in His ways and learn what is pleasing to Him. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:16: “We have the mind of Christ.” As Christians, our truest litmus test is to ask ourselves, ”What would Jesus do?”

Related: Franklin Graham’s Prayer During the Ebola Crisis

This is why reading the Gospels daily and knowing what Jesus did is very important. Believe it or not, sometimes what Jesus prescribes actually flies in the face of worldly “common sense.”

  • “Love and forgive your enemies.”
  • “Do good to those who curse you.”
  • “Turn the other cheek.”
  • “Leave ninety-nine sheep to search for the one.”
  • “Give to all who ask.”

God’s ways are not always our ways nor are they always practical or convenient. But in the end, they are always good ways, thoughtful ways that lead to true freedom and even to simplicity.

Taking time daily to reflect upon our actions will actually increase our common sense. Sounds familiar: “Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” 2 Timothy 2:7

I pray that as we go about our day-to-day tasks of living, our loving heavenly Father will increase in us a deep love for Him and for neighbor and all “common sense.” The resulting actions will flow from this renewed heart and mind closely intertwined with His own.

Who do you think would win the Presidency?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Related: Knights of Columbus Donates Millions to Fight Christian Persecution

“I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel with my eye upon you. Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding; with bit and bridle their temper is curbed, else they will not come to you” (Psalm 32:8-9).

Dear Lord,
I want to love You more. Allow me to love you from all I think, do and am. Please increase in me the capacity for expanding my mind to Your truth by taking time daily to read and reflect upon Your holy Word. Stir in me Your Holy Spirit to guide me in all ways so that I can easily hear Your voice and know which way to turn. Lord, help me be a light in this dark world so that the “common knowledge” of You would be a universal truth that all can live by.

I ask this in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Melissa Overmyer is founder of Something Greater Ministries in Washington, D.C., and has been teaching the Bible for over 30 years. This article is based on information presented at an ALPHA course.