Side Blinders
I was thinking about how often I am rushing through my day, going to appointments or running errands and I become so focused on my agenda that I have side blinders on that keep me from seeing the world around me. If we would just take the time to look around, we would see the faces that reflect broken hearts that have been damaged by life. We miss so many opportunities to just share the love of Christ that is within us or minister and even pray for the needs of others.
On the other hand, though side blinders can be a deterrent from ministry, spiritual side blinders are a necessity for our walk of faith. Horses that pull wagons wear them to keep from being distracted from what is going on around them and to prevent them from looking back and panicking at the wagon following behind. We too must be centrally focused on Christ, not intimidated by the scare tactics of the enemy that are constantly nipping at our heels and trying to divert our focus from the object of our desire.
When Peter was in the boat, the storm was already raging around him, but when he saw Jesus walking on the water he asked if he could come to him. As he stepped out onto the water he was doing it! He was walking on water fully focused on Jesus! The storm was raging, but it had no effect on him. The moment his eyes went from Jesus to the circumstance he began to sink. The issues of life can have no effect on you as long as you stay focused on Him. So let’s keep our side blinders on as we seek Jesus, but stay sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as we look for opportunities to share the Gospel to a lost and broken world.
Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV) Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Psalm 91:14-15 (NKJV) “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him."
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 3:1 (ISV) Therefore, holy brothers, partners in a heavenly calling, keep your focus on Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.
