My good friend John and I host a weekly podcast called Just Sayin' with Pastor Drake, and let me tell you; it's an absolute blast. The show has its own identity and purpose, but what really sets it apart is its foundation: good old common sense. While other programs might be rooted in deep education, personal experiences, or profound spiritual insights—each of which has value regarding wisdom—our focus is on something everyone can grasp: practical wisdom for everyday life. Just Sayin' is about encouraging people to trust in the power of common sense and how it shapes our faith journey through Christ.

After all, common sense plays a vital role in living out the everyday faith of God's people, grounded in the teachings of Christianity. The Bible uses several terms to describe common sense, such as simple, prudent, and sound judgment. Proverbs 8:5 (NIV) reminds us, "You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it." Common sense involves a practical understanding of the world that doesn’t require specialized knowledge or complex reasoning but relies on good judgment and clear perceptions of everyday situations. It's the ability to make reasonable decisions grounded in reality that most people can relate to. Common sense connects us all and provides a framework for navigating daily life with wisdom and clarity.

Common sense depends on a shared understanding of practical knowledge and sound judgment, but here’s the problem: many people lack the foundational knowledge necessary to make informed decisions, even regarding their faith. Take, for example, a conversation with most Christians. Ask if they know the basic teachings of Christ, and often, they won’t be able to give a clear answer. Instead, they might speak in generalities about Christian values, focus on the successes or failures of others, or talk about God’s love and kindness. But when you press them on Christ’s teachings—how He viewed the world and why we must align with His perspective to build a life of sound character—you’re likely to get a 'deer in the headlights' look. Worse still, you may encounter defensiveness, criticism, or even contempt, which pushes common sense about faith out the door. It’s almost comical, as Proverbs 1:26 reminds us: "I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh."

To resolve the common sense dilemma is to honestly reflect on the topic at hand and assess whether your understanding is rooted in objective knowledge or shaped by subjective feelings, desires, or intuition. Suppose your foundation is subjective or based on relativism. In that case, the solution is to follow the first basic teaching of Jesus: "Repent" (Matthew 4:17)—meaning, make a deliberate about-face and begin seeing things from a truthful, grounded perspective. Once you've done this and grasped the essentials, you can personalize it and apply it to your life meaningfully.

Let’s commit to embracing common sense in our faith by seeking God’s wisdom and aligning ourselves with the teachings of Christ. Take a moment today to reflect on areas where you may have relied on feelings or assumptions, and instead, turn to the truth found in God’s Word. Repent where needed, seek wisdom, and apply practical, godly judgment daily. Common sense isn’t just for the everyday—it’s essential for a strong and grounded faith and life, and like our podcast, a blast!

Pastor Drake