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Blinders

Up until a little over 100 years ago, horses provided most transport. Horses can be startled and panic if they see movement out of the corner of their eye so often “blinders” were used such their vision was limited to just what was in front of them. Humans can have vision impaired by a lack of oxygen such that peripheral vision starts to fail first called “tunnel vision”. The term tunnel vision is more commonly used metaphorically to mean one who is unable to consider something outside a narrow view.

There are experiences people can have that shape them to be more narrow such as joining a street gang, going to college, or joining the Marines. One might consider these experiences as similar to going through a funnel. What comes out has been homogenized to a degree such that one’s political and moral views, favorite sports teams, and even ambitions in life become more firmly set. Prior to the geographical and social mobility necessary for the Industrial Revolution the shaping of people was accomplished in families.

Once a person settles in to a trajectory in life, their identity and sense of what is right is also invested such that any suggestion of change can be unsettling, cause anxiety, and even make one feel as if they are being attacked. Often only some catastrophic life experience can break through the insular complacency such a comfortable life can produce.

It is also possible for a Christian seeking the deeper Christian life to extend his vision past what blinders he may have acquired in life. This may not require the “kick in the teeth” life altering encounters that some receive. The Christian has available to him the transformative changes that can come from growing in wisdom and truth. However, he does have to intentionally choose them over the ease of a life made comfortable by blinders.

There is a famous quote, “There are none so blind as those that will not see” that can be traced back to the 1500s. It is thought that it may have been constructed in reference to Jeremiah 5:21. The frequent failure of Israel to respond to God’s will is indicative of our own human desire not to have our comfortable trajectory in life disturbed. The book of Judges describes a repeating cycle of the disinterest of Israel in God, God allowing them to be invaded, Israel asking God for help, God helping them, and their returning to a comfortable disinterest.

One who is Christian may feel that his denomination is the one that is “right” and have “blinders” of his own. This can be particularly seen if one shows mocking contempt or derision for other Christians. If Christians use Christ as the measure of Christianity, we should all be able to see ourselves as falling short. Denominations can make assurances of meeting various criteria, but in the final analysis, we all have much to learn to be like Christ.

It can be difficult enough to recognize our own blinders, much less know what to do next. Increasing prayer and bible study are good starting points. As one grows in truth and humility complacency seems less satisfying. As the world and flesh are increasingly seen in truth, they become sad and even repellant. At the same time the love of God, his peace, and grace becomes more and more attractive.

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