When we are talking about faith and trust many people will tell us, ‘But you also have to use your common sense.’
Small wonder, this reaction, for two reasons. The first reason is that many people flee into some kind of religious daze to get rid of the harsh problems of life. They are no different to others who - for example - take alcohol or drugs: fleeing the reality by numbing themselves. But people who flee from problems by seeking refuge in religiousness are on the wrong track, and - unfortunately - they also lead other people astray, away from God. In contrast, the Bible urges us to be very level-headed. ‘Therefore be alert and of sober mind,’ says the apostle Peter (1 Peter 4:7).
But there is another reason, why people tell us to use our common sense when we are talking about faith and trust, and that is in their defiance of true submission to God. Therefore, as believers, we cannot do people around us a greater service than to make sure that ‘our minds are alert and fully sober’ (1 Peter 1:13). So no fuzzy dreamers, but towers of strength!
For a true Christian, there is indeed no room anymore for dark thoughts and a futile mind. No, on the contrary: ‘That, however, is not the way of life you learned.’ Those who have come to know Christ, have done away with the old life that was determined by darkness and futility.
Whoever has become a follower of Jesus will find that he is made new in the attitude of his mind. More and more our thoughts will then be determined by heavenly patterns of thought which make us ever more longing to do His will.