That Makes Sense
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 18:18
The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.
Some of the sayings in Proverbs are just good old common sense. This is an example of that. A “lot” would be akin to what we would call drawing straws. The short straw is the loser. Today, we would be more likely to flip a coin. Someone calls heads or tails and if they get it right, they win whatever the debate is about.
The wisdom in this is that the mediator isn’t put in the position of choosing between two people. He can’t be accused of favoritism or bias. He has no say in the matter other than being the person who holds the straws or flips the coin. It is a wise way to settle an argument or make a choice about which there is no moral issue involved.
My broader point here is that common sense has a place in the Christian life. We don’t have to have a mystical, “spiritual” experience to guide every decision. God’s will can often be discerned by simply doing what is rational and reasonable.
It isn’t ungodly to flip a coin to decide who gets the first choice of seats, pick a shirt based on what feels most comfortable, or a vehicle based on what you can afford. I’m not suggesting we shouldn’t pray about these and other decisions we make, but we can often find the answer in our prayers in what makes the most sense.
And that isn’t unspiritual.
