Common sense for the Christian (copy) (copy)
I was only 20 when I first got saved. I was married and had my first child. My mother had just passed away at the age of 39. My life was an emotional wreck, and my choice of life activities was not much better. I was headed for big trouble.
Things began to change around me. My dad was the first to find help at the cross of Jesus. Then it was my wife. Soon after, I too found peace of mind and some comfort for my grieving.
Going up to an altar was very difficult for me as I had actually never been in any church services in my whole life other than funerals. During the service, I felt something good inside like I had found an answer to all the hurt and pain, confusion and anger that was engulfing me.
When I took my first step into the aisle, something seemed to break inside of me. The closer I got to the altar the more I cried and the feeling of almost being weightless overwhelmed me. Later I found out that was the feeling of freedom from my sins. I had been forgiven at the moment I took the very first step.
Some would say that was the easy part. That is simply not true. It took every ounce of whatever strength I could muster to step out of those spiritual and physical chains that had me bound.
The more difficult times were just ahead but the way is much easier to climb when you allow common sense to dictate your decision making process. If you have been set free, do not walk the same path that you once were in. If you go back to doing what you have previously done, then you will wind up right back where you were.
Common sense tells us that if we walk the path to the left and our shoes get muddy but the path on the right is dry and clear, then we should take the right path.
Common sense is the same one that tells you not to touch a hot stove before you get burned. The majority of things that we should be able to understand about being a Christian is using common sense.
What is common sense? It is making an intelligent decision based upon everyday knowledge. Example: Fire is hot; don’t touch! Water is deep, can’t swim, do not jump in!
First and foremost, we must understand that salvation is both forgiveness and setting the captive free. Free to do what? To make the decisions that will keep your new life as spotless as it was at the moment of salvation. Salvation is not determined by just what you have done. This experience is just the door to what is awaiting you. The true test of your salvation will be revealed in the changes you are willing to make that will protect you and guide you on the right way for the rest of your time on Earth.
Watch for some tell, signs that can indicate you are struggling with making those changes. First is making excuses to keep the sins you enjoyed the most. Second is comparing yourself to others. Just because you see someone else doing what you want to do, does not make it right for you.
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
You will not be blessed for another’s successes nor will you be punished for their failures. If God is dealing with you about something, do not ignore it. It is your responsibility to maintain your personal salvation experience. No matter what others do or do not do.
For the Christian, I like to give another name for Common Sense. That would be The Holy Spirit, who Christ would send to dwell in every believer to be a helper, leader, teacher and guide through your Earthly journey. He is your constant companion. He will never leave you or forsake you. Ever present, Every step of the way.
Dennis Banks is a retired Smyth County and Southwest Virginia pastor. He welcomes comments and questions and may be reached at dennis.banks47@gmail.com.
