Blindspots.

Blindspots are all around us.

* Older vehicles have them.

(Newer vehicles have sensors and cameras to help this.)

* Each of our eyeballs have one.

Below is an image to use for occular tests.

Focusing on the righthand star, I had to get about 4-5 inches from the computer screen before I lost sight of the left star.

When driving, I remember I have blind spots and check rearview mirrors religiously. You now about those areas out of the periphery of your mirrors that can often hide passing cars and smaller compact cars. Our brain works with our eyes to diminish our blindspots to the point we don't remember we have them.

"Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." (Psalm 119:18, NIV)

My faith journey is a bit different. If I am walking alone, all seems fine when really it isn't. Blindspots can often emerge and I am not aware of them. It requires another person looking from another angle to help me identify my blindspots. We have now entered into an area of discomfort for many. We are talking about scrutiny and accountability. These words send red flags up for many and avoiding these words becomes our main task.

Our men's study broached this topic last evening and a collective shaking of heads was seen around the room. Our study book provided a short form for others to use in evaluating us.

Using a scale of 1-10 rate me on the following question:

1. Am I like a wet noodle or the Washington Monument?

2. What 5 words would you use to describe me?

3. What is one thing I do well?

4. What caution would you offer me for one thing I need to improve?

Whoa! The thought of allowing another person to assess us just made half the readers here explode. This exercise is one that can help us with our blindspots. We are too close to see these imperfections. Obviously, you would ask people who love you, those you can trust, and those who want to see you grow.

If we are talking about faith journeys and spiritual growth, then we are talking about each follower of Jesus being part of a greater body that we call the church. If your church avoids accountability and keeps silent about dysfunction, it is a church that does not value each member or body part. Strong churches are those that encourage small group accountability. John Wesley built the Methodist church on a set of probing questions. The main query being, "How is it with your soul?"

Don't avoid being engaged in the local church as a way to avoid your personal blindspots. It's time to move forward and grow in grace and wisdom.