Yesterday we learned about the first contributor to blind "I's." That's pride (click here for the article).  What's in the middle of pride: "I?"

Have you ever heard someone use the phrase "blind ambition."  That's the same thing as selfish ambition. What's at the heart of selfish ambition? Once again it is "i" in the middle. Whenever "I" becomes the primary focus our peripheral vision is limited. Peripheral vision is defined as the part of the vision that occurs outside the very center of our gaze.

I played basketball in high school. That's where I learned about how essential it is in team sports to use your peripheral vision in order to find the open man to pass the ball to for the open shot or to see an opposing player setting a pick when you were on defense. Everyone who I ever played had peripheral vision. No one was physically handicapped, however, there were a few who were handicapped by their character. Their selfish ambition which was usually expressed through a desire to score the most points often led to them hogging the ball. Their concentrated focus on their personal performance, seeking glory, fame or a scholarship blinded them to other players who were open and had a better shot than they did. Ultimately this would hurt their team.

My friends, Christianity is meant to be lived and expressed as part of a team. The Bible teaches us that Jesus is supposed to be at the center of our vision.

One of the things I have learned is that most people have a blind spot.  You cannot see a blind spot.  You need assistance.  That's why cars have mirrors.  It is to help a driver manage their blind spots.

Pride is one of the greatest contributors to blind spots.  Lucifer (Satan) suffered from pride and it affected his vision too.

Isaiah 14:12-15 
"How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!  How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!  For you have said in your heart:
'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;  I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north;  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.' Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit. 

This portion of scripture is called the five "I wills" of Lucifer. Pretty arrogant don't you think?  It was that pride that spread through Satan's minions that blinded the ruler's of this world to the mystery of God in Christ's crucifixtion (1 Cor. 2:7-8). Otherwise they would have never crucified the Lord of glory.

The word pride comes from the Hebrew word gavah and means arrogance or majesty; by implication, excellency, haughtiness, highness, pride, proud or swelling.  The problem with pride is that is can make a seeing "I" blind.  

What is the common element found in the middle of pride and blind?  It is "I."