Protecting the Life Within

Growing Daily

Protecting the Life Within

Years ago, I knew a woman who was determined to give her unborn baby the healthiest possible start. She radically changed her diet and rid her house of anything toxic.

Oddly, though, she continued to drink White Russians—a combination of milk, Kahlúa, and vodka—throughout her pregnancy. She said she had been drinking them for so long they were “just like milk” to her.

Of course, they weren’t. A glass of milk with two shots of alcohol is not the same thing as a glass of milk—especially not to a developing baby. But she just couldn’t see it.

We all have blind spots unique to our own lives. They may be priorities, entertainments, or friendships that we think are “just like milk.” In fact, they may be mostly milk. But God warns that even “a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough” (Galatians 5:9). What we mix in, even something small, can hinder the life God is growing within us. And unfortunately, our mix-ins can become so familiar we no longer recognize them as dangerous.

Abiding in Christ helps bring our blind spots into view. As we stay close to Him and measure our thoughts and actions against His Word, He begins to illuminate areas we’ve overlooked (Psalm 119:105).

Lord, reveal to me my blind spots—the familiar things I’ve allowed in my life that are actually harmful—and continue the good work You have begun in me (Philippians 1:6).


- Catherine Reid