The Death of Common Sense

April 3, 2017

A few years ago, I came across an unusual obituary. It was written at the passing away of “Common Sense.. I won’t recount the whole thing for you here today, it is a little to long, but a quick look at our world today reveals that Common Sense has indeed passed away.

“Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No-one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered for such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn’t always fair and maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned, but overbearing regulations were introduced.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion, his daughter, Responsibility and his son, Reason.

He is survived by three step-brothers – I Know My Rights, Someone Else is to Blame and I’m A Victim. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.”

Real Life has been our theme this winter, and as we move into the Easter season and step into Spring, it is my heart desire that Common Sense too experiences a resurrection. I know this is a tall order, but I believe that with God “all things are possible.” Sure we may have to change its name to “not so common sense,” but let’s not lose hope, God is able.