Rational

<<thought through, sane, logical>>

When the headstrong and impetuous prodigal son hit rock bottom, he came to his senses and took a reasoned and balanced look at his situation (Lk 15:17). He formulated a strategy to reverse the plight he was in and implemented it.

We should endeavour to keep our head in all situations, not reacting to emotion, fear or peer pressure (2 Tim 4:5).

Look at the facts; don’t just go by the emotional feelings which can vary from one moment to the next, depending on the circumstances. Seek sound advice and don’t act quickly in major decisions. God gave us brains to use, so think things through. Logical reasoning and critical thinking is a mark of maturity and wisdom rather than a quick, unthinking, counter reaction that will only create a bigger

Consider the paths you walk – Proverbs 4:26

problem (Act 5:34-40, 19:36). The choices we make can have long-term consequences, so don’t make rash decisions that you will live to regret.

Satan rationalised and even quoted Scripture to Jesus, in an attempt to get Him to sin and to bypass the cross. He said, “Worship me and I will give you...” (Mt 4:1-11). Scriptures is not to be taken out of context, twisting that which is contrary to God’s principles to justify something that is wrong.

In the Garden of Eden when Satan tempted humanity, he challenged God’s statements with questions (Gen 3:1-5). He appealed to their natural rational thinking by warping the truth, so the facts appeared to be open to negotiation and question – “Are you sure this is what He said?”

People are capable of reason, but often behave in irrational ways. There are four major factors affecting our application of reason: emotions, ignorance, prejudice, and preference. We sometimes respond with pure instinct, which is emotion. We may attempt to reason through an issue without all the necessary information, which is ignorance. We may dislike something and look for excuses to reject it, which is prejudice. Or we may like something and look for excuses to defend it, which is preference.

The spiritual side of why people are irrational is they don’t want to acknowledge the truth that they are sinners who need God. Instead of using good reasoning and accepting truth they just follow their instincts and live in ignorance (Rom 1:20-23; 2 Pet 2:12). As belivers we should value highly, search for and follow truth in all areas of life. In spiritual matters Jesus said He is the truth and the only way to heaven (Jn 14:6).