In what ways can we discern spiritual blindness in ourselves and others? “Blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:14) Seeing the Warning in Matthew 15:14 Jesus speaks of religious leaders who appear confident yet cannot see the truth they claim to teach. Their hearers, trusting the wrong guides, tumble into the same danger. Spiritual blindness is real, deceptive, and deadly. Recognizing the Roots of Spiritual Blindness – Hardened hearts (Isaiah 6:9-10; Matthew 13:15) – Pride that rejects correction (Proverbs 16:18; John 9:40-41) – Tradition elevated above God’s Word (Matthew 15:3-9) – The god of this age veiling minds (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) – Persistent disobedience that sears conscience (Ephesians 4:17-18) Personal Indicators We May Be Blind – Indifference to Scripture: reading stops, conviction fades – Quick to judge others, slow to repent ourselves (Matthew 7:3-5) – Dependence on religious routine while love for Christ cools (Revelation 2:4) – Resistance to any teaching that challenges our comfort or tradition – Diminished gratitude and worship; spiritual things feel dull Observable Indicators in Others – Teaching that contradicts clear Scripture but appeals to popularity (2 Timothy 4:3-4) – Moral compromise justified as “grace” (Jude 4) – Boasting in experiences or titles rather than the cross (Galatians 6:14) – Consistent fruit of division, envy, or greed (Matthew 7:16-20) – Dismissal of Jesus’ exclusivity—“many paths” rhetoric (John 14:6) Simple Self-Checks 1. Word Test: Do I tremble at God’s Word or explain it away? (Isaiah 66:2) 2. Prayer Test: Do I seek God’s face or only His gifts? (Psalm 27:8) 3. Fruit Test: Is the Spirit producing love, joy, peace, etc.? (Galatians 5:22-23) 4. Fellowship Test: Am I accountable to mature believers? (Hebrews 3:12-13) 5. Mission Test: Do I care that the lost hear the gospel? (Romans 10:14-15) Responding When Blindness Is Exposed – Confess and repent immediately (1 John 1:9) – Ask God to “open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things” (Psalm 119:18) – Submit to the whole counsel of Scripture, not selective verses (Acts 20:27) – Walk in the light you have; obedience brings clearer sight (John 7:17) – Seek humble, Bible-saturated community; iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17) Hope for the Blind Jesus came “that those who do not see may see” (John 9:39). Wherever spiritual blindness is detected—whether in us or in those we love—Christ stands ready to restore sight as we turn to Him in faith and obedience. |
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