As we have discussed many times over the last few weeks, Samson led a life that gave way to self-destruction. We now must realize that among his issues was a lack of recognition for his “blind spots.” And, if we are to avoid his same fate, we must learn from his error.
Recognition can start with an embrace of a profound instruction from King Solomon in Proverbs 4:23, “Keep your heart with all diligence.” Undoubtedly, we all hope to do just that! But our problem – like Samson – is that we all have blind spots. And, they exist regardless of the level of our diligence.
Jeremiah warned us of blind spots in this way:
“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” (Jeremiah 17:9 NLT).
Jeremiah clearly states that no man can see everything that his heart is hiding. Therefore we must develop a strategy for checking our blind spots. Think of it in this way. In the same way, you must check the blind spots your car’s frame creates when you turn or merge lanes, so you must check your heart’s blind spots to end up in a spiritual wreck.
How can we check our BLIND SPOTS?
Try these simple questions to check two potential blind spots:
WHAT AM I SAYING?
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks. -Luke 6:45 (NKJV)
Are you curious if you have given your whole heart to God? Then, listen to what you are saying, especially in unguarded moments when you feel comfortable amongst your company. Your tongue will always tell on your heart.
TO WHOM AM I GIVING?
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -Matthew 6:21 (NKJV)
You can not find a single time in Samson’s life that he gave a sacrifice to God. Not. Once. In contrast, the first time Samson’s parents heard God’s instruction for their family, they immediately responded with an offering to Heaven. It is then bewildering that the only time in Samson’s entire storyline that you can find him giving anything – to anyone – was when he offered a woman a gift in the hope of sex. Yet, it was the same gift his parents gave to God when they found out he would be born (Ref. Judges 13:19; 15:1)! Not. A. Coincidence.
Meaningful connections with God directly result from what is going on in our hearts. And according to Jesus, meaningfulness can be easily rerouted to meaningless experiences if we choose the wrong destinations for our treasure – because our hearts will wind up at that same location. Of course, it’s fantastic to bless other people in your life, have hobbies, do fun things, get ahead, and leave an inheritance. But there is one thing that needs to come first – GOD. If He is not at the forefront of how you distribute your treasure, then He does not have your whole heart.
On Samson’s last day, he decided to surrender his heart to God. In response, the Bible states that he accomplished more for the Kingdom of God on that day than he had in his ENTIRE life. But consider this…there was very little to compare to that day – his LAST day. He had done very little for God! It didn't take much to surpass an entire life’s body of work in one moment. Talk about a meaningless life!
Thankfully, we have a God who seems willing to accept death-bed conversations. But, learn from Samson’s mistake and don’t wait until your last day to give God your heart. Instead, start making an impact today. God created you for a meaningful life filled with meaningful connections.
Check your blind spots and honestly evaluate the posture of your heart. Does God have all of it? It’s never too late to surrender your heart, step into a meaningful relationship with God, and start living the life of meaning and purpose God has planned for you!
I invite you to view this message in its entirety at this link: https://youtu.be/c_DPzy71VBc
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