Spiritual Blindness: What It Is and How to Overcome It

In the physical world, blindness is a condition where one is unable to see. In the spiritual realm, blindness is far more dangerous. 

Spiritual blindness prevents us from seeing Jesus Christ (Yahshua the Messiah), and not seeing Christ means not seeing God (Colossians 1:15-16; 2 Corinthians 4:6). This grievous condition keeps us from perceiving spiritual truths, recognizing God’s presence, and understanding His will for our lives. 

Whether you’re new to faith or a long-time believer, understanding spiritual blindness is crucial to deepening your relationship with God and overcoming the obstacles that keep you from seeing Him clearly.

What Is Spiritual Blindness?

Spiritual blindness is the inability to perceive the truth of God, His Word, and His will. It is a condition where one’s spiritual eyes are closed, making it impossible to understand or accept the things of God. 

The Bible describes spiritual blindness as a condition experienced by those who do not believe in God, Jesus Christ, and His Word (Romans 2:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:12). These individuals are unable to see the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, and are described as being lost and perishing (2 Corinthians 4:3-4; Revelation 3:17).

Jesus, in His teachings, made it clear that those who reject Him are spiritually blind. He said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him” (John 14:15-17). 

Spiritual blindness prevents people from accepting the things of God because they are “spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Even those who profess faith in Christ can fall into spiritual blindness if they are not vigilant. This blindness manifests as a hardened heart, a lack of spiritual discernment, and an inability to see God’s work in our lives.

Signs of Spiritual Blindness

Recognizing spiritual blindness in our lives is the first step toward overcoming it. Here are some signs that may indicate you or someone you know is suffering from spiritual blindness:

1. A Hardened Heart: When you find yourself resistant to God’s Word or indifferent to His commandments, it may be a sign of spiritual blindness. A hardened heart refuses to be convicted by the Holy Spirit and is often unwilling to repent or change.
2. Lack of Spiritual Discernment: If you struggle to distinguish between what is of God and what is not, or if you find yourself easily swayed by false teachings, this could indicate spiritual blindness. Those who are spiritually blind “do not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him” (1 Corinthians 2:14).
3. Inability to See God’s Work: Spiritual blindness makes it difficult to recognize God’s hand in your life. You may attribute your blessings to luck or coincidence rather than acknowledging God’s providence. The spiritually blind are unable to understand God’s Word and are blind to the manifestations of God as revealed through His Word and Jesus Christ (John 1:1; Acts 28:26-27).
4. Stagnant Spiritual Growth: When you’re spiritually blind, you may find yourself stuck in a rut, unable to grow or mature in your faith. This lack of growth often leads to frustration and a sense of spiritual emptiness.
5. Self-Righteousness: Believing you have all the answers and seeing yourself as spiritually superior to others is a clear sign of spiritual blindness. This attitude leads to pride and distances you from God. The Bible describes those denying God as fools (Psalm 14:1; Matthew 7:26).

The Cause of Spiritual Blindness

Spiritual blindness is a profound condition that affects many, preventing them from seeing and understanding the truth of God and His Word. To address this issue, it’s essential to understand the various causes of spiritual blindness. These include the influence of Satan, misleading leaders, human nature, and pride.

1. Satan: The Deceiver of the World

Satan, also known as the “god of this world,” plays a significant role in causing spiritual blindness. According to 2 Corinthians 4:4, “In their case, the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” Satan’s primary aim is to obscure the truth and prevent people from understanding and accepting the gospel.

In Revelation 12:9, Satan is described as the one who “deceives the whole world.” His tactics involve deception and lies, making the truth appear foolish or irrelevant to those who are not spiritually discerning. Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), presenting counterfeit truths that further deepen spiritual blindness. His influence extends through various means, including false ideologies, distractions, and temptations that draw people away from God.

2. Blind Leaders: Leading Others Astray

Jesus Himself warned about the danger of blind leaders who lead others astray. In Matthew 15:13-14, He said, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” This passage highlights the peril of following those who lack spiritual insight and understanding. Blind leaders, whether religious authorities or influential figures, can perpetuate spiritual blindness by teaching false doctrines or leading people away from the truth.

Such leaders might be well-intentioned but are nonetheless misguided. Their teachings can distort biblical truth, leading others into confusion and further spiritual darkness. The Bible warns against such false teachers and emphasizes the importance of discerning true teaching from error (1 John 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1).

3. Our Human Nature: Hostility Against God

Human nature itself contributes to spiritual blindness. The Bible describes our natural condition as being hostile to God. Romans 8:7 states, “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.” This hostility manifests in various ways, including a resistance to divine authority and an inclination toward sin.

Our human nature is often driven by selfish desires and a desire for independence from God. This innate hostility can lead to a hardened heart, making it difficult for individuals to recognize or accept spiritual truths. The natural inclination to follow our own desires rather than God’s commands can perpetuate spiritual blindness (Jeremiah 17:9; Ephesians 4:18).

4. Pride: The Barrier to Truth

Pride is another significant cause of spiritual blindness. The Bible frequently warns against pride, which can obscure our ability to see and accept God’s truth. Proverbs 16:18 declares, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Pride often leads to self-reliance and a refusal to acknowledge one’s need for God, creating a barrier to spiritual insight and understanding.

In 1 Corinthians 8:2, Paul notes, “If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.” Pride can cause individuals to trust in their own wisdom and dismiss the need for divine revelation. This attitude can lead to a distorted understanding of spiritual matters and a rejection of God’s guidance.

How to Overcome Spiritual Blindness

The good news is that spiritual blindness is not a permanent condition. Through God’s grace, it can be healed. Here are some steps you can take to overcome spiritual blindness:

1. Pray for Spiritual Sight: Prayer is the most powerful tool we have against spiritual blindness. Ask God to open your spiritual eyes and reveal the areas where you are blind. In Psalm 119:18, the psalmist prays, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” This should be our prayer as well—asking God to give us eyes to see His truth.
2. Immerse Yourself in God’s Word: The Word of God is a light that illuminates our path and helps us see clearly. Regularly reading and meditating on Scripture keeps our spiritual eyes open and sharp. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
3. Repentance and Humility: Acknowledge your blindness and repent of any sin that may be contributing to it. Humility is key to overcoming spiritual blindness. James 4:10 encourages us, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” When we humble ourselves before God, He opens our eyes to see His truth and guidance.
4. Seek Godly Counsel: Surround yourself with spiritually mature believers who can offer guidance and wisdom. Sometimes, God uses others to help us see what we cannot see ourselves. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Allow others to speak into your life and help you regain your spiritual sight.
5. Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude and Worship: A grateful heart is a heart that sees clearly. When we focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness, our spiritual eyes are opened to see more of Him. Worship helps us to align our hearts with God’s, allowing us to see things from His perspective.

From Spiritual Blindness to Sight

Spiritual blindness is a serious condition, but it is not without hope. God, in His mercy, desires to open our eyes and bring us into the light of His truth. 

As you seek to overcome spiritual blindness, remember that it is a journey—a process of growth and transformation. Stay persistent in prayer, immerse yourself in God’s Word, and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

Isaiah 42:16 gives us this beautiful promise: “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.”

As believers, we have the Spirit of God reigning in our lives to ward off the debilitating effects of Satan’s power and the world’s influence (1 John 4:13). 

Jesus gives us His wonderful promise in John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

May we all seek to have our spiritual eyes opened, so we can walk in the light of God’s truth and experience the fullness of life He has for us.

---

Support Our Work

Support us by joining the Becoming Christians Membership program! As a member, you’ll receive daily inspiring devotionals, insightful articles, and impactful videos. Sign up today and grow in your faith with us!