Spiritual Blindness

How would you define spiritual blindness? If you know someone who struggles with their sight, you know how truly precious good eyesight can be. Most of us have pretty good eyesight. Unfortunately spiritual eyesight is not as common.

This past week we took a look at Jesus' words "I am the light of the world." In the following chapter (9) Jesus heals a man born blind and then warns the Pharisees about spiritual blindness. In the story of the blind man gaining sight we receive a simple definition of "spiritual blindness."

Jesus says to the Pharisees "For judgement I have come into this world so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." (John 9:39) What did Jesus mean? I think the answer is both profound and a simple. Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5, when he said, "Blessed are the poor in Spirit."? He is saying something very similar here.

Spiritual blindness is failing to acknowledge your need for God's help. If you think you have it all together and everything under control, God's word says, "you are blind". How many people do you know that are trying to live life on their own? Somewhere in their heart or mind they are convinced they can make it in their own strength.

Jesus reminds us that spiritual eyesight begins when we acknowledge our need for God. There are many ways to acknowledge God in your life. Pause for prayer with your family. Begin a devotional life of personal prayer and Bible study. Submit your finances to God. Participate in church life. You can probably add to the list.

The most important thing is that we never look past God in our pursuit for sight or success in this life or the life to come.

Join us Sunday at the ARC as we consider steps to spiritual eyesight. Tom Ragsdell