There’s an elected official who sends out a regular newsletter to his constituents, as most politicians do. The title of it includes the geographic area he’s from, followed by the words “Common Sense”. He serves in a governing body that is collectively unpopular, while the individual office-holders are each popular within their own districts. So this is a good rhetorical move. Effectively he’s saying, “I’m here representing your common sense. Whatever you think of them on the whole, know that you have a voice and a place at the table.” And it works for him; he’s a very popular incumbent.
Sometimes, though, people see themselves as having more common sense than is actually the case. For those of us who are Christians it raises the question: What does the Bible say about common sense? There’s quite a bit on it in the book of Proverbs. In recent years I’ve been drawn to Proverbs 19:11, which begins by saying, “Those with good sense are slow to anger…” Think about that: In the Bible a mark of common sense is to be slow to anger. In the original Hebrew this makes for a deliberate contrast with someone who’s quick-tempered. Speed is communicated in the language. Common sense means to slow down and be deliberate. Those who are lacking common sense may be impulsive, or thoughtlessly aggressive in what they say or what they do. The speaks well to an era like ours when lots of people are really angry. Political figures, among others, have learned that rage can be a motivating force. If I can get people to be mad at somebody and to think that I’m the best bet to stop them, then I can entice them into action. I can get them to send me money. I can get them to vote for the people I want. I might even be able to get them to act out in violence. Violence is a real danger in this stage of history. Lacking in all of this is the measure of grace that it takes to sustain a shared life, nationally or otherwise. So Proverbs 19:11 continues: “…and it is their glory to overlook an offense.” The key is to be focused on God’s mission. You can overlook the stupid stuff because your eyes are focused on Jesus. Yeah, there are problems, but you’re not going to let them distract you. The Christian life together requires this in all sorts of ways when we live with each other’s faults. “Ol’ Joe sure has a temper; he snaps occasionally.” “Edith is territorial about the church kitchen.” “Frank doesn’t manage his money well, so he’s always stressed out.” “Judy talks way too much and annoys people, but it’s because she’s lonely.” But then there’s always the bigger compelling truth: “We love them. They’re a part of the family. Sure, they have their faults. You’ve got yours and I’ve got mine too.” So we overlook their faults. To be sure, there are times and places where the problems can no longer be ignored. Jesus gave specific instructions for when this happens (in Matthew 18:15-17). It begins by going directly to the person with the problem. There’s no sense in talking behind people’s backs if something needs to be addressed. But more often that’s not the case. And it’s interesting to me how the Bible describes “overlook[ing] an offense” in glowing terms. This is different from how the world thinks: “You’re going to let them get away with that? Where’s your sense of honor? You need to put them in their place!” Some people perceive it as a sign of weakness if you’re just leaving something alone. But it’s better to recognize that we all have our faults, and so to extend to others the same grace that we need for ourselves. Ultimately this is how Jesus has regarded our sins. The “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” is “passing over our transgressions” (John 1:29, Micah 7:18). God bless you, Andrew McHenry, Pastor – First Congregational Church of Oroville
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Andrew McHenryI am a husband, a Congregational pastor, and a native Kansan currently living in Thermalito, California. In the past I have also been a prison chaplain and a youth pastor. Interests include reading, railroads, prog rock, KU, and the KC Royals. Archives
March 2024
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