June 30, 2002

DONT KICK A SKUNK

I believe in common sense. Growing up on a farm, much of my early learning experi- ences contributed to the development of a common sense philosophy of life. For exam- ple, common sense teaches us not to slap a man who chews tobacco. Or, not to kick a skunk. The consequences of our actions become painfully obvious in such cases.

Common sense is that God-given ability to look at the potential effects of choices we might make. It is our natural ability to solve problems, relate to others, or fix things which are broken. Common sense teaches us if something works, we shouldn't fix it.

The Bible has a special word for common sense. That word is "'wisdom". King Solo- mon often spoke of wisdom. (I have often wondered how anyone wise would have cho- sen to have 300 mothers-in-law!). Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge in productive ways. It is the ability to observe the effects, not only of our own choices, but the choice of others. It is the ability to take what is learned in our situation and apply it to other situations of life.

Only a foolish person would kick a skunk. And only a foolish person would insist on ex- periencing everything himself. Wise people look at the effects of alcohol or drug abuse and determine that such behavior is foolish and destructive. Wise people learn from the mistakes of others. We know that indiscriminate and irresponsible actions lead to de- structive consequences.

Kicking skunks is not a popular sport. And most of us have never done it. We learn early that some things aren't worth the price, so we avoid those behaviors and choose more rewarding activities. The Old Testament is filled with examples of poor choices.

Lot's wife was instructed to not look back as her family was being led out of Sodom by angels. Her choice to disregard God's instruction had devastating consequences. Israel's rebellion led to her destruction as a nation.

If I choose to kick a skunk I also choose the consequences of that choice. Some of us clon't like to facier-e-spon sibilli*-foir' our decisions. It is much easier to blame a bad back- ground which didn't adequately warn us of the effects of kicking skunks, or to blame oth- ers for letting the skunks come into our yards. I

Each day we make choices. Make sure your choices have rewarding effects and not devastating consequences for our heart and soul. Choosing to follow Jesus has enormous benefits and rewards, both for the present and for all eternity.

From Al Behel, Minister, the Great Smokey Mountains Church of Christ

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