"Blind Spots"

“Blind Spots”

 

I few years ago I was driving a van on the New York Thruway (aka I-90) near Syracuse. I came up behind a driver who had the audacity to be moving along at the posted speed limit! I checked my mirror, put on my signal, and pulled into the passing lane only to hear the blast of a horn. I looked again and saw I had nearly forced a small car onto the median. What had happened? He had been in what we call our “blind spot.” You can rest assured that I now double-check each time I change lanes. (I’ve also added the small attachment to the side mirror which covers the hard-to-see area.)

Blind spots are not only dangerous on the road (as my experience confirms) but they can also be hazardous in our dealings with people. Our preconceived notions or biases can cause us to overlook areas we shouldn’t, giving us a distorted view of circumstances. We then form hasty judgments or dismiss facts we don’t want to hear. The results can be devastating—witness Eli’s handling of his two sons in 1 Samuel 2.

Probably the best book in the Bible on relationships is Proverbs. In 18:13 Solomon warns, “He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame.” Failure to listen can produce blind spots which can hurt others as well as embarrass us. (I’ve fallen into this trap many times.) How much better it would be if we’d ask God to help us see things as they really are and not let blind spots hinder our objectivity.

Part of Scripture’s purpose is “…that the (people) of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17) and to “…(give) us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him….” (2 Peter 1:3). Taking these principles seriously can encourage us, provide resources for effective service, and eliminate life’s blind spots. So let’s check our spiritual side mirrors carefully and often.

Blessings!

Jim McMillan