COMMON SENSE, COMMON STUPID

Somebody recently told me that he thought I possess much common sense, based primarily on wee stories, just like this one. Excuse me a minute while I recuperate from rolling-on-the-floor guffawing at the thought of me having any sense at all.

There, I’m okay now. Even though this person has known me a realllllyyyy long time, he’s probably forgotten about the many instances of extremely common-stupid incidents throughout my life. For example, when I, as a desperate teenager, used fabric softener to smooth and straighten my wild hair. Or when I’d read girlish detective novels and spied on the neighbors. Or when my girlfriend and I brought home bird eggs from a nearby field and tried to hatch ’em in the oven. I’ll stop now, you get the idea. But suffice it to say that reaching the coveted adult age of 21 did not diminish common-stupid activities.

When I consider my blemished lifelong behavior and attitudes, one word comes to mind: FOOL. I know, how rude. But according to the Word of God, since I was born a sinner (Romans 5:12), foolishness is one of many offshoot behaviors. Scripture is heavily saturated with examples of foolishness sprouting dainty buds of dishonesty, slander, atheism, hyper-self-confidence, and hypocrisy. Since I was born with a congential “wise in my own eyes” syndrome, it was a bit of a shock when the Lord reached down to save me, and showed me that I wasn’t as wise as the proverbial owl after all.

Psalm 19:7-11 and 2 Timothy 3:15-17 showed me the blessed usefulness of Scripture, stretching me way beyond my own common stupid/sense. Scripture taught me to be humble and ask God for His wisdom, which He gives freely (James 1:5-6). It’s intimidating, and yet, so comforting to know that His thoughts and ways are so very much higher than mine (Isaiah 55:8-9). And Jesus, who IS God, told the disciples to “learn from Me” (Matthew 11:29).

My Father, Who is infinitely full of wisdom, I thank You that You’ve given me the privilege of learning directly from Your Word, and learning directly from my Jesus. So no matter how entertaining it is for me to write quirky story-lady blurbs, no matter how powerful our pastor, or t.v. evangelist, no matter the wonderful theologically-helpful books that are at my disposal ... I crave to learn from You first and foremost. Each day, I want to hide more of Your Word in my heart because my own “common sense” is so wishy-washy, and Your very uncommon wisdom is stable and eternal, and I desire it more than “much fine gold” (Psalm 19:10).