LCN Article
The Need for Common Sense

November / December 2005
Commentary

Martin Fannin

Would you build your own house in a flood zone on ground below sea level? Most would not do this. If they did, we would say they lacked common sense. What about a whole city? Does it make sense to build and maintain a metropolitan area on land below sea level?

Obviously, under optimum conditions it can be done—look at the example of the Netherlands, where nearly half of the country's surface lies below sea level. Mankind is capable of amazing feats when massive funding is available. Even then, however, there is no guarantee that natural forces will not overwhelm manmade systems.

Similarly, we may ask, is it wise to concentrate supplies of vital products in one area, especially if that area is prone to major weather disasters? How much safer would our supplies be if vital functions like oil refining were far more geographically diversified than they are in the United States? We are familiar with the saying, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." The idea is that if you drop that one basket, you may lose everything. As a nation, is the U.S. guilty of putting all—or at least most—of its eggs in one basket, especially where key energy supplies are concerned? Sadly, the answer is, "yes." You need not be a rocket scientist to predict the many potential problems that can arise from our risky concentration of supplies and resources. Some might argue that it is cost-effective to risk putting most of our energy "eggs" in one basket. But when that basket does fall, are we prepared for the ultimate cost?

This example of our energy policy is just one example of our nation's shortsightedness. Why, as a nation, do we fail to use common sense so much of the time? We fail because greed, selfishness and other negative aspects of human nature get in our way.

You could define common sense as, "Doing what is best for all concerned, all the time." Are we as a nation, or individually, doing this now? Certainly not! Will we ever? Thankfully, the answer is "yes!" The sure word of God proclaims that the day is coming when "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea" (Isaiah 11:9). When this occurs, the present human tendencies of greed and self-interest will be changed. Then, the godly principle of loving your neighbor as yourself will become the norm.

The Bible is the foundation of all true knowledge, understanding and wisdom. This is illustrated by Psalm 111:10, which states: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments." We are equipped with true common sense when we have a proper reverence and respect for God and His written word.

Today, true common sense is not common at all. It is a rare commodity, because all too often it has been sacrificed on the altar of nonsense. Thankfully, in tomorrow's world this will change, and the whole nation—and all of humanity—will reap the blessings.

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The above is adapted from one of the many commentaries, discussing vital topics facing our world, available at the www.lcg.org and www.tomorrowsworld.org Web sites.