July 26th

The Cause and Cure for Spiritual Blindness

Pause and wonder! Blind yourselves and be blind!...For the LORD has poured out on you the spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes, namely, the prophets; and He has covered your heads, namely, the seers. Isaiah 29:9-10

Can you imagine what life would be like if you couldn't see? You would need someone or something to guide you, whether a friend, guide-dog, or walking stick, because you wouldn't be able to find your way on your own.

Now what if you couldn't see, but you thought you could? I'll tell you what would happen: those who love you would try to guide you, but you wouldn't follow. Your blindness would be so complete that it would lead you to harm.

I bring this up today because this is the case with so many people who are spiritually blind. They can't see the spiritual realities that are all around us, but they think they have perfect vision. There are several things that can cause this blindness.

Passions cause a lot of people to be spiritually blind, unable to see what God has for them. People get wrapped up in other passions and their drive for these things drives them right past the best that God wants to give them.

Preferences can cause spiritual blindness, too. This is when people say, Well, I'm glad that works for you, but it's just not for me, or, I prefer to think of God as someone who accepts everyone, no matter what they believe. These kinds of preferences are actually spiritual blindness.

Pleasures are a huge source of spiritual blindness. People just want the newest and the best stuff. Whatever feels good, they do it, because they are blind to the consequences of their choices.

Power blinds a lot of people as well, to the point where a person could say, What do I need God for? I'm fine all by myself.

Prosperity certainly makes this list, too, with so many people more concerned about their career or social status than they are about what pleases God.

But the root of all of these things is one and the same-pride. It's forgetting our place before our almighty Creator who loves us and simply wants our best.

Don't be spiritually blind. Humble yourself today and ask God to reveal any area of your life where you have let this pride take root.

Prayer Father God,

Thank You that You truly want the best for me, and You want to help me to see clearly spiritually. Please show me today any area of my life where I have let pride grow and help me to remain humble before You!

Amen