Peace family, do you know your blind spots?
This morning, I was thinking about the ways that God purifies us. As believers in Christ, we are forgiven and redeemed from our sins, but even so, many times, we come with blind spots that are very difficult to get rid of, if we don’t take action.
One place we can develop blind spots, is in the areas where we have personally disobeyed God. Whether that is because we have dulled our consciences through our choices, or we are afraid of being seen as hypocrites, we often seem to give passes to certain sins that we are more vulnerable to, while condemning other sins that we are less tempted by (especially in other people’s lives.) We also sometimes condemn sins in others that we make excuses for in ourselves (it’s just human nature.)
The ways we are raised, and habitual sins of our families (sometimes even “acceptable” versus “unacceptable” types of sin within a family,) can also lead to some pretty big blind spots. Take a moment to think about it. What sins were okay in your family, or not taken seriously? Bad tempers? Getting drunk? Gluttony? Gossiping? Sensuality? Dirty jokes? Jealousy? What does the Bible say about certain choices and behaviors in comparison to what your family taught you?
Another way we can grow blind spots, is by means of our culture. This is easier to notice when you’ve been exposed to multiple cultures or have lived abroad, because different cultures have different solutions for trying to enjoy life or get needs met without God. We become desensitized to different kinds of sin commonly around us, even if we don’t participate. Losing the sensitivity can often lead to acceptance, which can lead to advocacy, and even doing the thing yourself, that you once believed to be wrong.
Peace family, I know I have blind spots. Everyone does. Unfortunately, the hard thing about blind spots is that you rarely see them for yourself! So how can we discover them in our lives?
- Pray, asking God about it, and any areas where He’d like you to grow. Have a humble heart. Be open to what God might be speaking to you, or pointing out to you throughout your day.
- Ask someone who loves you, who you trust. Our families and closest friends are most familiar with our shortcomings.
- Look at the areas where you are most tempted to criticize other people. I’m sure we all know people who accuse us of doing what they themselves do, so doesn’t it make sense that we might sometimes fall into this category for ourselves? When I find myself bristling at someone else’s actions, it’s important for me to take time sometimes, and examine my own heart.
- Remember that God loves you! He convicts but does not condemn us. We need to be able to accept that we are sinners in need of grace and change without losing all heart and giving up. It’s okay that we can’t do it on our own and need a savior. That’s why Christ died and rose again for us!
Peace family, when we glimpse our own brokenness, we are more gracious towards others, and more at awe of God’s goodness towards us. God lifts up the humble heart, and he will lift you up, too. Let’s relinquish our blind spots to him, today!
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