Two tools to have at the ready

 My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. (Proverbs 3:21-22)

So many times, we count on something other than common sense to get us out of a sticky place. We got ourselves there because we didn't use common sense in the first place! Discernment is just a fancy word that describes the ability to see good from bad and then make the best choice. When we don't use either of these helpers God gave to us, we find ourselves in a muddle. God's purpose in giving us these "tools" was that we'd actually use them.

We aren't acting "independent" of God when we use discernment. We are using the good sense he gave us to "interpret" the moment. Yes, we might shoot up a quick prayer asking God to give us wisdom, but we can begin by listening to our conscience. It tends to niggle us a bit when common sense tells us something is not right for us. Perhaps our conscience has become a little confused by the many times we have violated it. God can restore it when we ask for his help to discern correctly what the moment challenges us with.

The tools God gives in the form of good sense and discernment are in our "immediate" toolbox of 'godly helps' to assist us in making wiser choices. Ignoring them while waiting on God to reveal something else that we label as "godly wisdom" is just silly. The more we use the discernment he gave us, the stronger it will become. Notice that they are gone kept close. That is because they are our"go to" tools when temptation or uncertainty arise. They are like our first line of defense. 

The wisdom God develops as we lean into these tools will become apparent to us as we look back at how we handled the temptation or trial. Just use what you were given and see how God multiplies his good sense and discernment in your life. Sometimes the simplest "tools" are the best ones to use. Just saying...