Checking the Blind Spots
By Chris Rathbone
Mitchell County
Several years ago while traveling Interstate 26 between Hendersonville and Asheville I witnessed a car accident. Thankfully no one was injured. However, the accident could have been avoided altogether had someone checked their blind spot.
Most of us know that when you are driving, especially on the interstate, there is a certain spot when other cars are passing us that they cannot be seen. You must either lean forward and check your mirror or glance over your shoulder to be certain it is safe to change lanes. Over the years, many of us have either witnessed someone moving over on another vehicle, someone moving over on us without seeing us, or we have changed lanes and almost hit someone we didn’t see!
Fortunately, most of us learn this lesson with driving experience. After a few close calls, possibly even an accident, we learn pretty quickly that we must discipline ourselves to check that blind spot every single time. I taught both my sons that having the freedom and privilege of driving a car comes with great responsibility. It’s not only our own lives we can put at risk, but also those who are passengers with us and other drivers on the road. So many accidents are caused by carelessness. Drivers are often distracted by phones, by passengers in the car with them, or in my case, looking for deer in a field sometimes (my wife fusses about that one). The point is, many could have been avoided and many turned out tragic and didn’t have to, especially the accidents caused by not checking that blind spot. While no one is intentionally sneaking upon us to hide in that blind spot, spiritually speaking, there is an enemy that is always looking to hide in it!
The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8-9 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
We as Christians have a formidable enemy, the devil. He is our adversary. He hates God’s church and God’s people and is constantly on the prowl like a hungry predator, just looking for an opportunity to devour someone who isn’t paying attention! When a Christian becomes complacent, lazy, unconcerned, or in a place in life they shouldn’t be, that’s when he will sneak up in that blind spot and pounce!
Peter gives some advice though that helps us not become a victim of his tactics. Peter says “Be sober, be vigilant”. This means to be alert, watchful, self-disciplined, on your guard, and awake, paying attention to our spiritual surroundings. In other words, be sure you’re checking those blind spots! He goes on to say “Whom resist steadfast in the faith”. We must resist the devil by being firm in our faith. If we are strong and steadfast in our faith in Christ, we will be sober and vigilant. This world that we live in is filled with temptation, trials, tribulations, struggles, etc. To be sure we aren’t caught off guard by the devil in a weak moment, we must be firm, steadfast, and strong in our faith in Christ so we can resist and fight our enemy. These times in which we are living is no time to be undisciplined and lazy spiritually. We must be watchful and strong in our faith. That way, we won’t be surprised by an attack we didn’t see coming.
Whether you’re driving or when you’re striving to live this life for Jesus, be sure children of God, to check those blind spots!
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Preacher Chris Rathbone serves as Pastor at Mine Creek Baptist Church.
You can read more Good Christian News from Pastor Chris HERE.
You can connect with Preacher Chris on Facebook HERE.
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