May 27 – Fallible Logic (2 Corinthians 5:1-7)

“We live by faith, not by sight.”(2 Corinthians 5:7)

IN WORD:
Consider the second approach of human wisdom — common sense. It is higher and more noble than the selfish life of those who are subject to their emotions and desires. It is based on the best logic we can muster. We make lists of pros and cons; we evaluate the risks involved in each course of action; and we determine the clearest, safest, most profitable direction. It is the best, most reliable path that human reasoning can offer. But it is profoundly human. And it is still sight, not faith.
In essence, the common sense approach is an intellectual way of “playing the odds” in life. It is not much different than a gambler at the track who has thoroughly studied the horses and calculated the best candidates to win, place, and show. We can approach life with the same mind. We aim for the best education, locate in the safest, most comfortable area, plan for the most satisfying career, and save for the future. Nothing is wrong with any of those activities if they are built on a foundation of eternal wisdom and under the guidance of God. But we often skip the foundation and miss the guidance. We trust in our own devices and place our bets on the best life we can. In short, we exalt our limited logic over the voice of the Eternal. Even if we succeed in the eyes of men, we fail in the eyes of heaven.

IN DEED:
As we have learned, God’s prescription for our wisdom is to find His. His is thoroughly sensible, but it only appears so with the eyes of faith. Eyes that see beyond the ambitions of this world to the true values of the eternal Kingdom will have different criteria for making decisions. Faith often forsakes the things of this world for the lasting treasures of the Kingdom. Faith looks not for the longest physical life possible but for the most fruitful life possible. Faith understands that God’s wisdom often appears absolutely senseless to those with worldly sense. His Word is full. Of examples: Conservative sight does no miracles; “risky” faith does nothing else.

“Everything Jesus Christ taught was contrary to common sense.” -Oswald Chambers-