Blind Spots

When driving a car, you know what a blind spot is, right? A blind spot is that area of the road where another car is right next to you, but you cannot see it from your rearview mirror. You have to turn your head and look carefully before you change lanes, or else you could have a serious accident. The only other way you can see that car in your blind spot is if another person in the car looks for you and warns you of impending danger.

Blind spots in our lives are very similar to blind spots on the road. They are there, but we don’t see them unless we take a second look or someone else shows us. Blind spots can be character flaws, hidden sins, the way we come across to others, or anything we are oblivious to that we actually need to see.

Becoming more like Jesus involves being willing to see and address our blind spots. Everyone has blind spots, but not everyone is willing to see and deal with them.

God’s Word addresses blind spots in a number of different ways:

"Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults." Ps. 19:12

We all have hidden faults. Hidden faults are blind spots.

"You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence." Ps. 90:8
Secret sins can be sins we try to hide or sins we are not aware of.

So, what does God use in our lives to reveal our blind spots, and what should our response be to these instruments of sanctification?

1. Prayer and the supernatural revelation of God; therefore, spend time with God and ask Him to reveal to you your blind spots. Ultimately we are dependant upon God showing us our blind spots. However, we have a responsibility to be humble, teachable and receptive to the work of His Spirit in us.

2. The Word of God; therefore, be in the Word and allow it to show you when you are operating out of your own flesh instead of by the Spirit of God.

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebr. 4:12

3. People speaking into our life; therefore, develop deep relationships where you invite people to show you your blind spots. I have said to my iron man group, “Feel free to share with me anything you see in my life that you think I need to see.” It has taken time for our group to get to this point, but it is a wonderful blessing to have people in your life who will speak the truth to you in love.

"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ." Eph. 4:15

Today I met with a group of men who are involved in men’s ministry in this area of Georgia. I told one of the men afterwards, “Please feel free to come to me at any time if you see something in my life that concerns you.” I believe in being intentional about developing deep relationships.

4. Our negative emotions; therefore, when you experience anger, depression, anxiety or fear, allow God to reveal to you what is behind these feelings. For example, unrighteous anger is often due to an ungodly goal. You want something and are not getting it, and this is causing your anger. You need to yield that ungodly goal to God.

"In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. " Ps. 4:4

5. Dreams, visions, and prophecies; therefore, be open to this form of revelation. Sometimes God shows us something we were blinded to through a dream, vision or prophetic word.

"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams." Acts 2:17

6. Our marriage partner; therefore, listen to him or her. I purposefully separated this point from the other one dealing with relationships, because the marriage relationship is the closest human relationship we have on earth. At least it should be. We should be so humble and teachable in our marriage that we would welcome our spouse speaking into our life. I know this is not easy to receive. It is quite humbling to have your spouse point out a blind spot to you. You naturally want to respond in defensiveness. But if you will listen, consider, and pray about what he/she says to you, you will likely find a pearl of truth that can help you become more like Jesus.

Once you become aware of a blind spot, then what? Here are some suggestions in dealing with your blind spot:
1. Confess it to God.
2. Yield it to God.
3. Ask God’s Spirit to supernaturally help you in this area.
4. Find a passage of Scripture that relates to your blind spot and pray it into your life.
5. Ask a trusted friend to help you.
6. Get professional help if you need it.

When driving, a blind spot can be fatal. In life, a blind spot can be fatal as well. Don’t let your blind spot(s) ruin your life or the lives of those around you. Allow God’s Spirit the freedom to search your heart and life. And when He shows you a blind spot, surrender it to Him!