How can we ensure we are not spiritually "blind" or "deaf" today? The Verse at the Center “Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?” — Mark 8:18 Why Spiritual Senses Grow Dull • Sin tolerated rather than confessed (Isaiah 59:2) • Neglect of Scripture and prayer (Psalm 119:18) • Pride that insists we already know enough (Revelation 3:17) • Worldly distractions that crowd out God’s voice (1 John 2:15–16) • Unbelief that questions God’s power or goodness (Hebrews 3:12) Keeping Our Spiritual Eyes Open • Daily, expectant reading of the Word – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105 • Asking God specifically for sight – “Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things from Your law.” — Psalm 119:18 • Prompt obedience to what He shows – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” — James 1:22 • Regular self-examination in light of Scripture – “Search me, O God, and know my heart… and lead me in the everlasting way.” — Psalm 139:23-24 • Walking in the light with other believers – “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.” — 1 John 1:7 Cultivating Attentive Ears • Tune out competing voices – “Elijah heard a gentle whisper.” — 1 Kings 19:12 • Treasure Christ’s words above all – “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” — John 10:27 • Meditate, not just read – “In the law of the LORD he meditates day and night.” — Psalm 1:2 • Maintain a soft, repentant heart – “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” — Hebrews 3:15 • Act quickly on what you hear – “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” — Luke 11:28 Living as Those Who See and Hear • Guard humility: recall that sight and hearing are gifts from God (Proverbs 20:12). • Stay teachable: keep the “eyes of your heart” enlightened (Ephesians 1:18). • Remember God’s works: review answered prayers and past deliverances so you do not “forget” (Mark 8:18). • Shine the light you’ve received: share truth so eyesight grows sharper (Matthew 5:16). • Persevere to the end: those who “overcome” inherit God’s promises (Revelation 2:7, 17, 29). Remaining alert, responsive, and obedient keeps spiritual blindness and deafness at bay, enabling us to enjoy the full, vibrant life God intends. |
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