Be A Light For The Spiritually Blind

    There are many who are spiritually - blind to the Truth. The spiritually blind hear the truth, but they cannot see what it means. They cannot see the "big picture" of salvation, and they are unable to see how it applies in their own life. They have trouble confessing the truth because they have difficulty believing what they cannot see. They are always in fear of an attack because they dwell in darkness, and naturally, anyone moving in darkness is subject to possibly being met with an aggressive attack of the unknown. This fear sometimes brings on a reflexive counter-response when they are exposed to the bright penetrating light of truth - they are unable to see the light of truth even though it enters their eyes and travels to their souls. The heat and light of the truth can even hardened their hearts more. St. Paul describes it, "They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart" (Ephesians 4:18).

    In Isaiah 42:6, The Lord reminds us that we are called in righteousness to be a light to the nations, "to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness." It is through faithfulness to the Lord and his Word that we become a light to those who are blind. We cannot force them to see, but we rely on the Lord to make us shine a light that will help bring sight to them.

  Derek Barr, St. John Vianny Theological Seminary Lay Division

5 Symptoms of Spiritual Blindness

1. PRIDE- Pride suffocates and eventually blocks spiritual sight. It becomes a barrier between you and God and leaves you susceptible to accept error.
2. REBELLION- When we disobey God's commandments, we are lead to the loss of light and truth. A rebellious heart refuses to submit to God's authority and rejects His truth.
3. SIN- Sin puts us in darkness as blindness does. It weakens the soul and prunes all the graces of God that darkens our souls.
4. SELF-DECEPTION- When we are so entrenched in religious rituals such as going to church every now and then, sending our children to classes, and/or only celebrating the sacraments ceremonially, but don't seek a genuine spiritual connection, we become blind to our own shortcomings and the need for personal growth and understanding.
5. FEAR- Satan loves to turn faith into fear. This fear causes us to lack assurance in Christ's unconditional love for us.

How to Help the Spiritually Blind

• Be a Friend- Be present and fully listen to others.
• Help Others Relax- Help them connect with their calm center.
• Project Hope- Show them vibrations of peace and hope.
• Be an Encouraging Word- Offer a word of encouragement or kindness.
• Be an Advocate- Advocate for Jesus.
• Be Open to God's Correction- Respond to God's revelations with faith and act without hesitation.

Solutions to Overcome Spiritual Blindness

• Read or listen to the Word and expect to hear something new. The Pharisees heard Jesus' words but they didn't take them to heart indicating the soil of their hearts wasn't fertile. That's why Jesus called them blind guides.
• Apply the Word to your life and circumstances.
• Be honest with your spiritual condition - the Pharisees weren't.
• Don't create your own theology. Know who you are IN Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.
• Hate darkness. Stay in God's light.
• Long for more God. Join and participate in ministry groups, Bible studies, etc.
• Be aware of the ungodly influencers in your life.
• Be quick to forgive others and repent from sin. You hear God quicker when you have a soft and pliable heart.
• Look for areas in your life where you allow Satan to waltz in. He always brings pride, fear, worry, and anything meant to harm and blind you to God's truth.