Hey everyone, my name is Austin and welcome back
to another episode of the Untiltered Faith Podcast.
If this is your first time here, I want to thank
you for tuning in. And if you've been here before,
welcome back. Today we're going to be talking
about the narrative of John 9 and the difference
between spiritual blindness and physical blindness,
along with its many forms, cognitive, emotional,
and cultural. These concepts are not just theological
ideas. They are tangible realities that affect
our lives and our communities every single day.
Waheed will also be exploring the ego in its
role in spiritual blindness. So if you're someone
who likes to take notes, I encourage you to do
so. And while you're at it, have your Bibles
out. And I encourage you to read John 9 on your
own time. So what exactly is spiritual blindness?
Spiritual blindness refers to a lack of awareness
or understanding of spiritual truths. Spiritual
blindness may sound heavy, but it's something
that we can relate to, whether we realize it
or not. It's that feeling of being lost, of not
being able to see the bigger picture. It's the
inability to see God's working in our lives and
the world around us. And here's the thing, it's
much harder to recognize because it often resides
in our hearts and minds, unnoticed until we encounter
moments of clarity or awakening. The theological
implications of spiritual blindness are profound.
They challenge us to think about the nature of
faith and how we engage with the world. We're
going to explore how we can lift those blinders
and open our eyes to the beauty and the truth
that surrounds us. Let's start with a simple
question. Have you ever felt you were moving
through life in a fog? Maybe you're going through
emotions, waking up, going to work, completing
daily tasks. But deep down, you feel disconnected
or unsure about your purpose. that is often referred
to as spiritual blindness. Spiritual blindness
can manifest in many ways. It can be a lack of
awareness of our inner struggles, an inability
to see the blessings in our lives, or even a
disconnection from God. It can be caused by life's
challenges, disappointments, or even our doubts
and fears. In John 9, we encounter a powerful
story of a man born blind who receives sight
through the miraculous works of Jesus. This moment
is not just about the physical act of seeing.
It's a profound metaphor for spiritual awakening.
Let's start by unpacking the difference between
physical blindness and spiritual blindness. Physical
blindness is a condition we can see and understand.
It affects the senses and can be addressed with
medical intervention or support. But spiritual
blindness, that's a little more complex. If there's
one thing you take away from today's episode,
it's this. Spiritual blindness is from Satan
himself. Satan doesn't want anything to do with
you. Satan doesn't care about you. Satan wants
to kill your faith, and that's how he cripples
the God in you. If he's not actively pursuing
you, you are living exactly how he wants you
to. Satan and his influence are so powerful that
he was able to take one third of the angels in
heaven with him down to hell. Are we passive
observers or active participants in the divine
narrative unfolding around us? In John 9, the
blind man's healing wasn't just about his physical
sight, but an awakening to a new reality. This
transformation was met with skepticism and criticism
from the religious leaders of the time, who were
ironically spiritually blind. They couldn't see
the miracle before them because they were fixated
on their understandings and traditions. This
brings us to the crucial point. Spiritual blindness
can also affect our perception of God's work.
We may have preconceived notions of how God should
act, or what miracles should look like. When
we confine our understanding to these boxes,
we risk missing out on God's extraordinary ways
at work. Now let's think about this for a moment.
How often have we found ourselves in situations
where we don't see what's right in front of us?
Perhaps it's a relationship that needs healing,
a purpose we're meant to pursue. or even the
beauty of grace surrounding us. Like the blind
man in John 9, many of us may be walking around
begging for sight, but unaware of our spiritual
blindness. In our communities, spiritual blindness
can manifest in various ways. It may show up
as judgment towards others, a lack of compassion,
or even indifference in the struggles those around
us face. We might find ourselves caught up caught
in routines, going through the motions of faith
without truly engaging with its depths and significance.
So how do we begin to shift this narrative? How
do we support those suffering from spiritual
blindness? The first step is awareness. We must
cultivate an environment where we can openly
discuss our struggles, doubts, and questions.
It's essential to create safe spaces within our
communities, small groups, a church gathering,
or even a simple coffee catch -up with friends.
where vulnerability is welcomed. We often find
that others are grappling with similar issues
when we share our stories. This shared journey
can lead to mutual support and encouragement.
Next, we need to foster a culture of compassion.
Just as Jesus approached the blind man with kindness
and understanding, we too must approach those
around us with love. Instead of judging or dismissing,
we should seek to understand. Ask questions.
Listen actively. and offer help in tangible ways.
As we reflect on these themes, let's also consider
actionable ways to nurture our spiritual side.
First, engage with scripture. The word of God
is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
Spend time in the gospels, absorbing the teachings
of Jesus. Let his word challenge, inspire, and
open your eyes to the new revelation. Secondly,
practice prayer. Prayer is not just a routine.
It's a conversation with the Creator. In moments
of prayer, we can ask for clarity and understanding.
We can seek God's guidance in revealing the areas
of our lives where we might be spiritually blind.
Lastly, embrace community. Surround yourself
with people who inspire you to grow in faith.
Share your journey with others. Seek mentorship
and offer support. Remember, none of us are meant
to walk this path alone. Take a moment and reflect
on your own life. Are there areas where you've
Feel blinded and perhaps you've been caught in
the chaos of everyday life or maybe you're facing
a significant challenge That's clouded your vision.
I know what that feeling it's okay to admitting
Now let's talk about the the antidote to spiritual
blindness first step in overcoming this state
is awareness being aware of Our blindness is
essential. It's like being in a dark room and
realizing we can turn on the light Once we acknowledge
our blindness, we can begin to seek the light.
So how do we seek that light? One powerful way
is through prayer and meditation. These practices
ahead is quiet our minds, connect with our hearts,
and open our spirits to God. With him we still
our thoughts and focus on our breath. We create
a space for clarity and insight. As we continue
to explore this topic, let's consider the role
of community. Surrounding ourselves with support
and loving individuals can help us seek things
from new perspectives. When we share our struggles
and victories with others, we gain insight and
remind ourselves that we are not alone in our
journeys. Think about your circle of friends
or family. Who can you reach out to when you
feel spiritually blind? Who can you lean on for
support? Holding and nurturing those relationships
is important because they can help us navigate
through the fog and regain our vision. And let's
not forget the importance of scripture. in spiritual
literature. Many of us may turn to religious
texts, inspirational books, or even podcasts
like this one to find guidance and wisdom. These
resources can be a beacon of light helping us
see beyond our current circumstances. As we continue
our discussion, let's talk about forgiveness.
Spiritual blindness can often stem from past
hurts, resentments, and grudges that we hold
onto. When we carry the weight of these emotions,
it can cloud our vision and prevent us from seeing
the goodness in ourselves and others. Forgiveness
is a powerful tool that can help us clear that
fog. It doesn't mean we condone the actions of
others or that we forget the hurt. Rather, it
means we're choosing to release our grip on the
pain and allow ourselves to heal. I encourage
you to think about someone who you may need to
forgive. Someone else or even yourself. What
steps can you take? to let go of that burden.
The journey towards spiritual clarity is not
a sprint, it's a marathon. We must be gentle
with ourselves as we navigate with the ups and
downs. Remember, even the most enlightened individuals
have moments of doubt and confusion. It's part
of being human, but in those moments we can lean
up into the practices, into our practices, prayer,
community, gratitude, and forgiveness. to guide
us back to the light. Now spiritual blindness
is something that can affect anyone, regardless
of their background or belief system. That subtle,
sometimes insidious barrier keeps us from seeing
the world and ourselves. There are different
types of spiritual blindness. Let's start with
emotional blindness. This type of spiritual blindness
occurs when we become disconnected from our feelings
and the feelings of those around us. Picture
someone who's been through a traumatic experience.
They might build emotional walls to protect themselves.
But in doing so, they might also shut out positive
emotions like joy, love, and compassion. In today's
world, we see this in individuals who refuse
to confront their emotional struggles, leading
to broken relationships and communities. Moving
on, we have cognitive blindness. This is the
inability to see beyond our own beliefs and perspectives.
Cognitive bias can warp our understanding of
reality. We often gravitate. towards information
that confirm our pre -existing beliefs. A phenomenon
known as confirmation bias. One historical example
is how the church viewed science during the Middle
Ages. The belief that the earth was the center
of the universe blinded many intellectuals to
the groundbreaking work of scientists like Copernicus
and Galileo. If I ask forward to today and you
see similar patterns and how people engage with
news and social media. We tend to seek sources
that echo our views in creating echo chambers
that limit our cognitive growth. I encourage
you to engage with news and social media outlets
that don't align with your beliefs. I encourage
you all to do this to grow your cognitive abilities.
You don't have to believe what they're saying,
but at least you've exposed yourself to ideas
you may not have thought of before. As a people,
we are so stuck in our ways that sometimes we
fail to consider other options and other perspectives,
and that in itself is a form of cognitive blindness.
Let's step out of our bubbles. Let's challenge
our minds in the way we think. Because if we're
not challenging our minds in the way we think,
we're not strengthening our minds, and our minds
are the most powerful tool we have to combat
sin. I see this a lot in politics. We all have
areas of cognitive blindness or confirmation
bias. What would happen if we have had a la -het
-se -gree -to -dis -gree mindset instead of a
I'm -right -in -your -wrong mindset? My friends,
that's called ego. And la -het -se -gree -to
-dress cultural blindness. This form of spiritual
blindness stems from the societal norms and values
we are raised with. Culture shapes our worldview,
often leading us to uphold biases and prejudices
consciously. Historically, cultures have oppressed
groups based on race, gender, and religion, usually
justified by a distorted understanding of faith.
The hink about the Salem witch trials were the
crusades, events driven by cultural norms that
blinded societies to compassion and justice.
In today's world, culture blindness manifests
in systems. In today's world, cultural blindness
manifests in systemic racism, sexism, and other
forms of discrimination that continues to divide
us. So how can we combat these forms of spiritual
blindness? How can we enhance our spiritual awareness
and intuition? First, let's talk about mindfulness.
Being present at the moment allows us to connect
with our emotions and those around us. Try daily
meditation or simple or simply take a moment
to breathe deeply and reflect. This practice
cultivates awareness and opens the door to deeper
understanding. Next, consider journal. Hiding
about your thoughts and feelings can help clarify
your beliefs and biases. It's a powerful tool
for self -reflection that can reveal patterns
of emotional and cognitive blindness. Another
technique is engaging in active listening. When
we truly listen to others, without judgment or
an agenda, we gain new perspectives and deepen
our understanding. This practice can break down
the barriers created by cognitive and cultural
bias. And let's not forget about community. Surrounding
ourselves with diverse voices and experiences
can challenge our worldview and promote spiritual
growth. Seek out conversations with people who
think differently than you. You may be surprised
by what you learn, but understanding its role
in our spiritual development is crucial. In simple
terms, our ego is the part of us that identifies
with the thoughts, beliefs, and experiences.
It's how we perceive ourselves about the world
around us. While the ego can help us navigate
through life, it can also cloud our judgment
and perception, leading us into spiritual blindness.
Ego says, I'm too full of myself to be hungry
for Jesus. Let's take a moment to think about
this. Have you ever encountered a situation where
your beliefs seem so clear, and someone else
saw it? entirely differently, or perhaps you
felt very confident about your spiritual journey
only to realize a little hater that you had missed
some behind the truth. This is where the ego
steps in, creating a barrier that can distort
our understanding in connection with the devil,
with Jesus. You see, the ego thrives on certainty.
It craves validation and often resists anything
that might challenge its established beliefs.
The Hiss is where spiritual blindness can creep
in. When we are overly attached to our egos,
we may find ourselves trapped in a bubble of
self -righteousness, unable to see the broader
picture of spiritual truth. We can become so
consumed by our inner narratives that we fail
to recognize the wisdom and perspectives beyond
our own. I mentioned this in a previous episode,
but for those that don't know, about 8 months
ago, I was rushed into the hospital because I
looked very malnourished. I had lost 10 pounds
in two weeks, and the doctor told me that I was
about a week from death. A person thinks a lot
about his life after experiencing a traumatic
event. Since this experience, it's been much
easier for me to slow down and think. I often
have moments of solitude. I have learned a lot
about myself in the past eight months. There
are some really good things and some things I
can work on. For example, something I can work
on. My world has to be completely torn to shreds
before I get that wake -up call that something
needs to change. I feel like God had metaphorically
smacked me in the face before I finally listened
to him. He's been teaching me to slow down for
the past eight months. I was in that hospital
for 16 days. A lot of those hours I spent alone.
And I had no choice but to listen to God and
what he had to tell me. Ego kills relationships.
Your ego is the number one killer of relationships.
It doesn't matter if it's platonic or romantic.
Ego won't let you see what you've done wrong.
Ego makes you believe that everyone else is wrong.
Relationships are hard. If friendships are difficult,
I can't even imagine how difficult it is to be
in a romantic one. Actually, I know how hard
romantic relationships are because I've been
in a few and I'd still be in those relationships
if it weren't for my own ego. We often tend to
self -sabotage ourselves in our relationships
because we get scared, because perhaps the idea
of lowering our ego to raise someone else's is
hard. Relationships are all about sacrificing
our wants, needs, and desires for someone else's
wants, needs, and desires. Your ego knows how
to protect, reject, and deflect. It doesn't know
how to connect. And you need connections in that
relationship for it to thrive. The ego is like...
Parasite. It hatches onto anything and everything.
If you keep feeding it, it gets bigger and bigger.
But if you starve it, it'll eventually die. Apologizing
doesn't necessarily mean you admit that you're
wrong. And the other person is right. It just
means you value your relationship more than your
ego. Now let's dig deeper into the concept of
spiritual bypassing. This term describes a phenomenon
where individuals here use spiritual beliefs
and practices to avoid addressing emotional pain,
trauma, or unresolved issues. It's like putting
a shiny spiritual veneer over a deep wound, hoping
it will somehow heal itself. The danger here
is that spiritual bypassing can lead to spiritual
blindness as we may convince ourselves that we
are on a higher path while neglecting the foundational
work that truly supports our growth. Imagine
a beautiful tree that stands tall and strong.
Its branches reach for the heavens and its leaves
shimmer in the sunlight. But if the roots are
weak and ungrounded, that tree is susceptible
to storms and can easily topple over. In the
same way, if we ignore our emotional and psychological
roots, he can become spiritually imbalanced,
relying solely on surface -level spirituality
to navigate our lives. So how does the ego contribute
to this? The ego often tells us that we need
to be better or more enlightened, creating a
hierarchy in our spiritual journeys. that this
can lead to a false sense of superiority over
others struggling or questioning their path.
When we are defining our worth by spiritual accomplishments,
we risk excluding ourselves from the beauty and
the human experience, the joys, the struggles,
the growth that comes from being authentically
vulnerable. The irony is that true spiritual
growth often occurs when we allow ourselves to
be imperfect, to embrace our flaws. and challenges.
In those moments of vulnerability, we can shed
the layer of ego and begin to see the world through
a lens of compassion and understanding. This
is where we can start dismantling spiritual bypassing
and face the truth that may be hiding beneath
the surface. Now let's discuss some practical
ways to recognize and transcend the ego's grip
on our spiritual journeys. First, cultivate self
-awareness is essential. Take time to reflect
on your thoughts, beliefs, and reactions. Ask
yourself, is my ego speaking or is it my true
self? Journaling can be a powerful tool here.
Write down your thoughts and feelings and observe
any patterns that arise. This practice can help
you identify when your ego is in the driver's
seat. Next, embrace humility. Remember that we
are all on different paths. No one is more in
line than another. We can learn from everyone
we meet. whether they are seasonal spiritual
seekers or those just beginning their journey.
Instead of seeking validation, open yourselves
up to wisdom of listening to others. Engage in
conversations with an open heart and allow yourselves
to be challenged and inspired by different perspectives.
Moreover, practice mindfulness. Mindfulness allows
us to observe our thoughts without judgment.
When we create space between ourselves and our
ego -driven thoughts, we can start to see them
where they are in temporary and often misguided
perceptions. Engage in mindfulness practices
such as meditation or deep breathing to ground
yourself and connect with your true essence.
Lastly, seek out community. Surround yourself
with like -minded individuals who encourage authentic
authenticity and vulnerability. Show your experiences,
fear, and triumphs without the fear of judgment.
Vulnerability is a powerful antidote to ego.
We create a safe space for growth and healing
when we come together in the spirit of support.
As we peel back the layer of ego and spiritual
bypassing, we open ourselves up to a deeper connection
with Jesus. We start to see the sacred and the
mundane, the beauty in our struggles and the
lessons in our challenges. Spiritual blindness
fades and we become more attuned to the whispers
of our souls. Remember, our spiritual journeys
are not linear. They're filled with twists and
turns, moments of clarity, and times of confusion.
It's okay to feel lost or uncertain. Embrace
those moments as opportunities for growth. Allow
yourself to be a student of life and know that
every experience, whether joyful or painful,
is a stepping stone towards greater understanding.
As we navigate this whining path of self -discovery,
we inevitably encounter moments that challenge
us and ask us to conf— confront uncomfortable
truths. So let's start with the question, what
comes to mind when you hear that phrase? First,
let's talk about why we often avoid uncomfortable
truths. It's a natural human instinct to seek
comfort and safety. We're wired to protect ourselves
from pain, disappointment, and conflict. But
what if I told you that avoiding these truths
often lead to more pain in the long run? When
we ignore what's uncomfortable, we create barriers
in our relationships. will limit our personal
growth and hinder our spiritual journeys. It's
like putting on blinders to the world around
us. We might feel safe for a moment, but eventually
those those blinders become a prison. So how
do we begin to face these uncomfortable truths?
Here are a few strategies I've found helpful
on my journey, and I hope they resonate with
you as well. The first step is to acknowledge
your feelings. It's essential to recognize that
the healing uncomfortable is part of being human.
Permit yourself to feel what you're feeling.
Sit with those emotions for a moment. Whether
it's fear, anxiety, anger, or sadness, reflect
on why these feelings are arising and what they
may be trying to teach you. By acknowledging
your feelings, you create space for understanding
and healing. It's like shining a light on a shadowy
corner of your mind. Instead of running away,
you're choosing to face it head on. The second
strategy is to seek support. Facing uncomfortable
truths doesn't have to be a solo endeavor. Reach
out to trusted friends, family members, or mentors
who can provide guidance and encouragement. Sometimes
talking about what's bothering you can help lighten
the load. Consider joining a community or support
group where you can share your experiences. and
hear from others navigating similar challenges.
Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Vulnerability
is a strength, and sharing your truth can foster
deeper connections with others. Next, let's talk
about embracing the discomfort. This might seem
counterintuitive, but allowing yourself to sit
in your discomfort can lead to profound insights.
Instead of avoiding situations that make you
uneasy, try leaning into them. This can mean
having that tough conversation you've been putting
off, addressing your fears, or even confronting
societal issues that weigh on your heart. Embracing
discomfort allows you to break free from the
chains of avoidance and step into your authentic
selves. Now let's reflect on your values. When
you come face to face with uncomfortable truths,
it's important to ground yourself in your core
values. What truly matters to you? What do you
stand for? You create a strong foundation for
navigating discomfort, that his alignment can
give you the courage to face hard truths and
make necessary changes in your life. Finally,
let's talk about action. Once you've acknowledged
your feelings, sought support, embraced discomfort,
and reflected on your values, it's time to take
action. Change doesn't happen overnight. Small
steps can lead to... significant transformation.
Consider heading specific goals that align with
the truths you've uncovered. Whether committing
to an open communication in your relationship,
engaging in community service, or addressing
personal habits, taking action is a powerful
way to reclaim your narrative. I encourage each
of you to take a moment to reflect on your spiritual
insight. Have you identified any areas in your
life where you may feel a sense of spiritual
blindness? It could be a great time to seek out
experiences that offer fresh perspectives. Let's
not forget the inspiring story of the man in
John 9. He didn't just regain his sight, he also
became a witness to a miraculous event which
led others to encounter Jesus. Similarly, When
we attain spiritual clarity, we can share that
light with those around us. I sincerely hope
our conversation today has ignited a desire within
you to delve deeper into your faiths and support
those who may be guru, grappling with spiritual
blindness. It's a challenge we all encounter,
but it also presents an opportunity for growth
and transformation. So let's look beyond our
current circumstances and acknowledge that Jesus
presence in our life. As we wrap up today's episode,
I encourage you to ponder your own experiences
with spiritual blindness and consider addressing
any emotional barriers that may be hindering
your spiritual growth. Are there cognitive biases
that could be limiting your understanding? And
how might cultural influences be shaping your
beliefs? I want to encourage you to embrace the
uncomfortable truths in your life. Challenge
yourself to face them head on. who remember the
process may be difficult, but the rewards are
immeasurable. Let's remember that spiritual growth
is an ongoing journey that requires us to be
vulnerable, open, and willing to confront our
limitations. Thank you for joining me on the
Unfiltered Faith Podcast. If you liked today's
episode, please share it with your friends and
family to help spread the message of awareness
and growth. I invite you to contemplate your
relationship with ego and spiritual blindness.
Are there areas in your life where you may be
experiencing spiritual bypassing? How can you
free yourself from the constraints of ego and
embrace a more authentic expression of your spiritual
life? Let's always remember that spirituality
is not about perfection. It's about connection.
Connection to ourselves, others, and God. By
embracing our unfiltered authentic selves where
he can shine a light on the shadows of the ego
and spiritual blindness, paving the way for profound
growth and transformation. Thank you once again
for joining me today on the Unfiltered Faith
Podcast, seeking those fresh perspectives. And
let's keep having those unfiltered conversations
that give us just a little more understanding
of the world around us.