I grew up in a home where the television set was always on. Always. While I've come a long way in changing those deeply ingrained habits, I still enjoy watching a show or two in the evening with my husband. Surprisingly, one of those shows is "Survivor," though it's hard to pinpoint exactly why. Perhaps it's just so I can be grateful I don't have to deal with people like that on a regular basis.
For those of you who haven't watched, "Survivor" takes a dozen or so people and drops them off in a remote location where they must fend for themselves. As a viewer sitting at home with a bowl of popcorn, I don't relate to the need for food and shelter as much as the microcosm of society found there.
Each week on the show, the group meets at "Tribal Council" and after a group discussion and secret ballots, one of the members gets voted out. Sometimes the one being ousted knows they're the target, while other times they never saw it coming.
The latter, a "blindside" was the topic of discussion at this week's Tribal Council meeting. Twenty-two-year-old Kat had plenty to say on the subject:
Guess who left Tribal Counsel crying, her torch snuffed out?
Evidently blindsides aren't always fun; they're only fun when you're not the one getting blindsided.
Survivor is an extreme example, of course, but how often do we blindside someone because that's what's most convenient to us, not stopping to think of what it will feel like to them?
We don't invite her to a group outing and let her find out after the fact.
We push on ahead with our own agenda so we don't have to listen to his (perhaps valid) objections.
We just stop speaking to her to avoid having an awkward discussion.
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. ~ Galatians 5:13
We all have areas in our lives where our vision is limited or obstructed - our blindside - but if we truly want to love others as God commands, we must ask that our eyes be opened so that we may see the truth of our actions. Before acting, or reacting, put yourself in the other person's shoes and ask yourself if that's how you'd like to be treated.
Lord, I know I can be guilty of "selective blindness" at times. Open my eyes and help me to be sensitive to the needs of those around me, treating them as I would like to be treated. Move me to ask forgiveness from those I've hurt, and heal the wounds I've received along the way.
Lisa
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This is true. We look out for ourselves and often hurt others in the process. Jesus showed us a different way, the way of putting others before ourselves. It's hard to do though, it goes against our natural tendencies. So thankful that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens! Blessings to you!
A very convicting message, Lisa!
Although I don't plan to intentionally hurt anyone, I know that sometimes my thoughtlessness does.
Thank you, both for the reminder and the prayer.
Very true. I'm not a fan of Survivor, but my hubby watches it so I've seen enough to get the gist of the show. And as you say, it is often a good example of what not to do in our own lives. :)
I've never seen the show , but from your description you make some very good points!
Following you from the Sunday Snippets hop. Would love for you to pop over to my place and follow if you'd like.
Thank you for the reminder to always try to love others as He loves us. It will not be completely possible until we meet Him in glory, but during our lifetime He will progressively conform us to His image if we ask Him to.
Thanks so much for visiting and commenting on Saved by Grace! Your blog is a blessing and I am now following it, and I invite you to Saved by Grace also:
http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/
God bless,
Laurie Collett
Oh, boy. That's an excellent reminder to guard my tongue and actions -- I tend to be a 'shoot first, ask questions later' kind of person. I'm sure I've ran over many folks in my path.
Thank you for linking up to Saints and Scripture Sunday!
Interesting post. Nobody likes to be blindsided but probably everyone is at some time or other. We definitely don't want to be the one to blindside someone else. Thank you for sharing this insight.
Blessings,
Charlotte
I'm still learning this! I used to always rush to judging others but I now try to put myself in their shoes! You know Survivor is filmed in Caramoan, Philippines, soma of it anyway. When we went to caramoan a couple of weeks ago they were filming the US series. Caramoan is beautiful and fairly isolated. To get there we had to take a small plane, then drive for 2 hours, then take a boat for another 2 hours!!! Patsy from
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