WEBVTT 00:00:16.470 --> 00:00:19.570 Hey everyone, my name is Austin and welcome back 00:00:19.570 --> 00:00:21.989 to another episode of the Untiltered Faith Podcast. 00:00:22.510 --> 00:00:24.690 If this is your first time here, I want to thank 00:00:24.690 --> 00:00:27.210 you for tuning in. And if you've been here before, 00:00:27.530 --> 00:00:30.070 welcome back. Today we're going to be talking 00:00:30.070 --> 00:00:32.509 about the narrative of John 9 and the difference 00:00:32.509 --> 00:00:34.649 between spiritual blindness and physical blindness, 00:00:35.189 --> 00:00:38.030 along with its many forms, cognitive, emotional, 00:00:38.329 --> 00:00:41.369 and cultural. These concepts are not just theological 00:00:41.369 --> 00:00:44.359 ideas. They are tangible realities that affect 00:00:44.359 --> 00:00:46.920 our lives and our communities every single day. 00:00:47.219 --> 00:00:49.799 Waheed will also be exploring the ego in its 00:00:49.799 --> 00:00:52.340 role in spiritual blindness. So if you're someone 00:00:52.340 --> 00:00:54.479 who likes to take notes, I encourage you to do 00:00:54.479 --> 00:00:56.859 so. And while you're at it, have your Bibles 00:00:56.859 --> 00:00:59.640 out. And I encourage you to read John 9 on your 00:00:59.640 --> 00:01:04.379 own time. So what exactly is spiritual blindness? 00:01:05.319 --> 00:01:07.900 Spiritual blindness refers to a lack of awareness 00:01:07.900 --> 00:01:10.769 or understanding of spiritual truths. Spiritual 00:01:10.769 --> 00:01:13.370 blindness may sound heavy, but it's something 00:01:13.370 --> 00:01:15.650 that we can relate to, whether we realize it 00:01:15.650 --> 00:01:18.950 or not. It's that feeling of being lost, of not 00:01:18.950 --> 00:01:21.329 being able to see the bigger picture. It's the 00:01:21.329 --> 00:01:24.069 inability to see God's working in our lives and 00:01:24.069 --> 00:01:27.230 the world around us. And here's the thing, it's 00:01:27.230 --> 00:01:29.989 much harder to recognize because it often resides 00:01:29.989 --> 00:01:33.030 in our hearts and minds, unnoticed until we encounter 00:01:33.030 --> 00:01:35.810 moments of clarity or awakening. The theological 00:01:35.810 --> 00:01:38.090 implications of spiritual blindness are profound. 00:01:38.379 --> 00:01:40.739 They challenge us to think about the nature of 00:01:40.739 --> 00:01:43.519 faith and how we engage with the world. We're 00:01:43.519 --> 00:01:45.700 going to explore how we can lift those blinders 00:01:45.700 --> 00:01:47.840 and open our eyes to the beauty and the truth 00:01:47.840 --> 00:01:50.140 that surrounds us. Let's start with a simple 00:01:50.140 --> 00:01:53.299 question. Have you ever felt you were moving 00:01:53.299 --> 00:01:55.420 through life in a fog? Maybe you're going through 00:01:55.420 --> 00:01:58.780 emotions, waking up, going to work, completing 00:01:58.780 --> 00:02:02.599 daily tasks. But deep down, you feel disconnected 00:02:02.599 --> 00:02:06.780 or unsure about your purpose. that is often referred 00:02:06.780 --> 00:02:08.759 to as spiritual blindness. Spiritual blindness 00:02:08.759 --> 00:02:12.319 can manifest in many ways. It can be a lack of 00:02:12.319 --> 00:02:15.879 awareness of our inner struggles, an inability 00:02:15.879 --> 00:02:18.620 to see the blessings in our lives, or even a 00:02:18.620 --> 00:02:21.419 disconnection from God. It can be caused by life's 00:02:21.419 --> 00:02:24.099 challenges, disappointments, or even our doubts 00:02:24.099 --> 00:02:27.400 and fears. In John 9, we encounter a powerful 00:02:27.400 --> 00:02:30.300 story of a man born blind who receives sight 00:02:30.300 --> 00:02:33.419 through the miraculous works of Jesus. This moment 00:02:33.419 --> 00:02:35.520 is not just about the physical act of seeing. 00:02:35.740 --> 00:02:38.520 It's a profound metaphor for spiritual awakening. 00:02:38.659 --> 00:02:40.759 Let's start by unpacking the difference between 00:02:40.759 --> 00:02:44.039 physical blindness and spiritual blindness. Physical 00:02:44.039 --> 00:02:46.599 blindness is a condition we can see and understand. 00:02:47.159 --> 00:02:49.419 It affects the senses and can be addressed with 00:02:49.419 --> 00:02:52.419 medical intervention or support. But spiritual 00:02:52.419 --> 00:02:54.919 blindness, that's a little more complex. If there's 00:02:54.919 --> 00:02:56.780 one thing you take away from today's episode, 00:02:56.979 --> 00:02:59.539 it's this. Spiritual blindness is from Satan 00:02:59.539 --> 00:03:01.819 himself. Satan doesn't want anything to do with 00:03:01.819 --> 00:03:04.979 you. Satan doesn't care about you. Satan wants 00:03:04.979 --> 00:03:07.900 to kill your faith, and that's how he cripples 00:03:07.900 --> 00:03:10.240 the God in you. If he's not actively pursuing 00:03:10.240 --> 00:03:12.939 you, you are living exactly how he wants you 00:03:12.939 --> 00:03:16.919 to. Satan and his influence are so powerful that 00:03:16.919 --> 00:03:19.219 he was able to take one third of the angels in 00:03:19.219 --> 00:03:21.639 heaven with him down to hell. Are we passive 00:03:21.639 --> 00:03:25.000 observers or active participants in the divine 00:03:25.000 --> 00:03:29.520 narrative unfolding around us? In John 9, the 00:03:29.520 --> 00:03:32.599 blind man's healing wasn't just about his physical 00:03:32.599 --> 00:03:36.319 sight, but an awakening to a new reality. This 00:03:36.319 --> 00:03:39.199 transformation was met with skepticism and criticism 00:03:39.199 --> 00:03:41.900 from the religious leaders of the time, who were 00:03:41.900 --> 00:03:44.120 ironically spiritually blind. They couldn't see 00:03:44.120 --> 00:03:46.740 the miracle before them because they were fixated 00:03:46.740 --> 00:03:50.819 on their understandings and traditions. This 00:03:50.819 --> 00:03:54.099 brings us to the crucial point. Spiritual blindness 00:03:54.099 --> 00:03:56.960 can also affect our perception of God's work. 00:03:57.229 --> 00:04:01.710 We may have preconceived notions of how God should 00:04:01.710 --> 00:04:06.490 act, or what miracles should look like. When 00:04:06.490 --> 00:04:08.830 we confine our understanding to these boxes, 00:04:09.349 --> 00:04:13.750 we risk missing out on God's extraordinary ways 00:04:13.750 --> 00:04:16.670 at work. Now let's think about this for a moment. 00:04:16.850 --> 00:04:20.389 How often have we found ourselves in situations 00:04:20.389 --> 00:04:22.410 where we don't see what's right in front of us? 00:04:22.769 --> 00:04:24.850 Perhaps it's a relationship that needs healing, 00:04:25.290 --> 00:04:27.970 a purpose we're meant to pursue. or even the 00:04:27.970 --> 00:04:30.990 beauty of grace surrounding us. Like the blind 00:04:30.990 --> 00:04:34.470 man in John 9, many of us may be walking around 00:04:34.470 --> 00:04:39.329 begging for sight, but unaware of our spiritual 00:04:39.329 --> 00:04:42.629 blindness. In our communities, spiritual blindness 00:04:42.629 --> 00:04:46.250 can manifest in various ways. It may show up 00:04:46.250 --> 00:04:49.490 as judgment towards others, a lack of compassion, 00:04:49.949 --> 00:04:52.189 or even indifference in the struggles those around 00:04:52.189 --> 00:04:55.459 us face. We might find ourselves caught up caught 00:04:55.459 --> 00:04:57.879 in routines, going through the motions of faith 00:04:57.879 --> 00:05:01.379 without truly engaging with its depths and significance. 00:05:02.180 --> 00:05:04.779 So how do we begin to shift this narrative? How 00:05:04.779 --> 00:05:06.699 do we support those suffering from spiritual 00:05:06.699 --> 00:05:09.779 blindness? The first step is awareness. We must 00:05:09.779 --> 00:05:12.300 cultivate an environment where we can openly 00:05:12.300 --> 00:05:14.899 discuss our struggles, doubts, and questions. 00:05:15.579 --> 00:05:18.540 It's essential to create safe spaces within our 00:05:18.540 --> 00:05:21.379 communities, small groups, a church gathering, 00:05:21.620 --> 00:05:23.660 or even a simple coffee catch -up with friends. 00:05:24.009 --> 00:05:27.209 where vulnerability is welcomed. We often find 00:05:27.209 --> 00:05:29.990 that others are grappling with similar issues 00:05:29.990 --> 00:05:33.370 when we share our stories. This shared journey 00:05:33.370 --> 00:05:35.970 can lead to mutual support and encouragement. 00:05:36.050 --> 00:05:39.009 Next, we need to foster a culture of compassion. 00:05:39.649 --> 00:05:42.069 Just as Jesus approached the blind man with kindness 00:05:42.069 --> 00:05:44.649 and understanding, we too must approach those 00:05:44.649 --> 00:05:48.129 around us with love. Instead of judging or dismissing, 00:05:48.170 --> 00:05:50.730 we should seek to understand. Ask questions. 00:05:51.149 --> 00:05:54.100 Listen actively. and offer help in tangible ways. 00:05:54.720 --> 00:05:57.740 As we reflect on these themes, let's also consider 00:05:57.740 --> 00:06:00.839 actionable ways to nurture our spiritual side. 00:06:01.480 --> 00:06:04.459 First, engage with scripture. The word of God 00:06:04.459 --> 00:06:06.800 is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. 00:06:07.660 --> 00:06:10.620 Spend time in the gospels, absorbing the teachings 00:06:10.620 --> 00:06:14.240 of Jesus. Let his word challenge, inspire, and 00:06:14.240 --> 00:06:16.839 open your eyes to the new revelation. Secondly, 00:06:17.439 --> 00:06:19.860 practice prayer. Prayer is not just a routine. 00:06:20.110 --> 00:06:22.949 It's a conversation with the Creator. In moments 00:06:22.949 --> 00:06:25.550 of prayer, we can ask for clarity and understanding. 00:06:26.310 --> 00:06:29.490 We can seek God's guidance in revealing the areas 00:06:29.490 --> 00:06:31.910 of our lives where we might be spiritually blind. 00:06:32.189 --> 00:06:35.269 Lastly, embrace community. Surround yourself 00:06:35.269 --> 00:06:37.610 with people who inspire you to grow in faith. 00:06:38.310 --> 00:06:40.790 Share your journey with others. Seek mentorship 00:06:40.790 --> 00:06:44.089 and offer support. Remember, none of us are meant 00:06:44.089 --> 00:06:46.750 to walk this path alone. Take a moment and reflect 00:06:46.750 --> 00:06:50.089 on your own life. Are there areas where you've 00:06:49.879 --> 00:06:52.319 Feel blinded and perhaps you've been caught in 00:06:52.319 --> 00:06:54.800 the chaos of everyday life or maybe you're facing 00:06:54.800 --> 00:06:58.100 a significant challenge That's clouded your vision. 00:06:58.100 --> 00:07:00.360 I know what that feeling it's okay to admitting 00:07:00.360 --> 00:07:03.680 Now let's talk about the the antidote to spiritual 00:07:03.680 --> 00:07:07.639 blindness first step in overcoming this state 00:07:07.639 --> 00:07:12.160 is awareness being aware of Our blindness is 00:07:12.160 --> 00:07:15.399 essential. It's like being in a dark room and 00:07:15.399 --> 00:07:18.720 realizing we can turn on the light Once we acknowledge 00:07:18.720 --> 00:07:21.040 our blindness, we can begin to seek the light. 00:07:21.860 --> 00:07:24.560 So how do we seek that light? One powerful way 00:07:24.560 --> 00:07:28.540 is through prayer and meditation. These practices 00:07:28.540 --> 00:07:31.300 ahead is quiet our minds, connect with our hearts, 00:07:31.480 --> 00:07:34.379 and open our spirits to God. With him we still 00:07:34.379 --> 00:07:37.639 our thoughts and focus on our breath. We create 00:07:37.639 --> 00:07:40.779 a space for clarity and insight. As we continue 00:07:40.779 --> 00:07:43.120 to explore this topic, let's consider the role 00:07:43.120 --> 00:07:45.339 of community. Surrounding ourselves with support 00:07:45.339 --> 00:07:47.990 and loving individuals can help us seek things 00:07:47.990 --> 00:07:50.569 from new perspectives. When we share our struggles 00:07:50.569 --> 00:07:53.209 and victories with others, we gain insight and 00:07:53.209 --> 00:07:55.230 remind ourselves that we are not alone in our 00:07:55.230 --> 00:07:57.930 journeys. Think about your circle of friends 00:07:57.930 --> 00:08:02.110 or family. Who can you reach out to when you 00:08:02.110 --> 00:08:04.709 feel spiritually blind? Who can you lean on for 00:08:04.709 --> 00:08:07.129 support? Holding and nurturing those relationships 00:08:07.129 --> 00:08:10.529 is important because they can help us navigate 00:08:10.529 --> 00:08:14.230 through the fog and regain our vision. And let's 00:08:14.230 --> 00:08:16.639 not forget the importance of scripture. in spiritual 00:08:16.639 --> 00:08:19.800 literature. Many of us may turn to religious 00:08:19.800 --> 00:08:22.980 texts, inspirational books, or even podcasts 00:08:22.980 --> 00:08:26.699 like this one to find guidance and wisdom. These 00:08:26.699 --> 00:08:29.839 resources can be a beacon of light helping us 00:08:29.839 --> 00:08:32.919 see beyond our current circumstances. As we continue 00:08:32.919 --> 00:08:35.000 our discussion, let's talk about forgiveness. 00:08:35.879 --> 00:08:39.659 Spiritual blindness can often stem from past 00:08:39.659 --> 00:08:42.659 hurts, resentments, and grudges that we hold 00:08:42.659 --> 00:08:46.039 onto. When we carry the weight of these emotions, 00:08:46.740 --> 00:08:49.700 it can cloud our vision and prevent us from seeing 00:08:49.700 --> 00:08:51.860 the goodness in ourselves and others. Forgiveness 00:08:51.860 --> 00:08:54.539 is a powerful tool that can help us clear that 00:08:54.539 --> 00:08:58.080 fog. It doesn't mean we condone the actions of 00:08:58.080 --> 00:09:01.000 others or that we forget the hurt. Rather, it 00:09:01.000 --> 00:09:03.700 means we're choosing to release our grip on the 00:09:03.700 --> 00:09:05.679 pain and allow ourselves to heal. I encourage 00:09:05.679 --> 00:09:08.100 you to think about someone who you may need to 00:09:08.100 --> 00:09:11.440 forgive. Someone else or even yourself. What 00:09:11.440 --> 00:09:14.519 steps can you take? to let go of that burden. 00:09:15.240 --> 00:09:17.559 The journey towards spiritual clarity is not 00:09:17.559 --> 00:09:20.720 a sprint, it's a marathon. We must be gentle 00:09:20.720 --> 00:09:23.059 with ourselves as we navigate with the ups and 00:09:23.059 --> 00:09:26.440 downs. Remember, even the most enlightened individuals 00:09:26.440 --> 00:09:29.500 have moments of doubt and confusion. It's part 00:09:29.500 --> 00:09:32.399 of being human, but in those moments we can lean 00:09:32.399 --> 00:09:36.580 up into the practices, into our practices, prayer, 00:09:36.940 --> 00:09:39.429 community, gratitude, and forgiveness. to guide 00:09:39.429 --> 00:09:41.370 us back to the light. Now spiritual blindness 00:09:41.370 --> 00:09:44.529 is something that can affect anyone, regardless 00:09:44.529 --> 00:09:47.529 of their background or belief system. That subtle, 00:09:47.970 --> 00:09:51.529 sometimes insidious barrier keeps us from seeing 00:09:51.529 --> 00:09:53.169 the world and ourselves. There are different 00:09:53.169 --> 00:09:55.529 types of spiritual blindness. Let's start with 00:09:55.529 --> 00:09:57.809 emotional blindness. This type of spiritual blindness 00:09:57.809 --> 00:10:00.850 occurs when we become disconnected from our feelings 00:10:00.850 --> 00:10:03.309 and the feelings of those around us. Picture 00:10:03.309 --> 00:10:05.409 someone who's been through a traumatic experience. 00:10:05.889 --> 00:10:08.529 They might build emotional walls to protect themselves. 00:10:08.970 --> 00:10:12.669 But in doing so, they might also shut out positive 00:10:12.669 --> 00:10:16.750 emotions like joy, love, and compassion. In today's 00:10:16.750 --> 00:10:19.409 world, we see this in individuals who refuse 00:10:19.409 --> 00:10:21.809 to confront their emotional struggles, leading 00:10:21.809 --> 00:10:24.669 to broken relationships and communities. Moving 00:10:24.669 --> 00:10:27.830 on, we have cognitive blindness. This is the 00:10:27.830 --> 00:10:30.649 inability to see beyond our own beliefs and perspectives. 00:10:30.970 --> 00:10:34.850 Cognitive bias can warp our understanding of 00:10:34.850 --> 00:10:38.240 reality. We often gravitate. towards information 00:10:38.240 --> 00:10:42.500 that confirm our pre -existing beliefs. A phenomenon 00:10:42.500 --> 00:10:45.440 known as confirmation bias. One historical example 00:10:45.440 --> 00:10:49.200 is how the church viewed science during the Middle 00:10:49.200 --> 00:10:51.259 Ages. The belief that the earth was the center 00:10:51.259 --> 00:10:54.399 of the universe blinded many intellectuals to 00:10:54.399 --> 00:10:58.039 the groundbreaking work of scientists like Copernicus 00:10:58.039 --> 00:11:01.980 and Galileo. If I ask forward to today and you 00:11:01.980 --> 00:11:06.549 see similar patterns and how people engage with 00:11:06.549 --> 00:11:09.629 news and social media. We tend to seek sources 00:11:09.629 --> 00:11:12.750 that echo our views in creating echo chambers 00:11:12.750 --> 00:11:15.710 that limit our cognitive growth. I encourage 00:11:15.710 --> 00:11:18.809 you to engage with news and social media outlets 00:11:18.809 --> 00:11:21.409 that don't align with your beliefs. I encourage 00:11:21.409 --> 00:11:24.309 you all to do this to grow your cognitive abilities. 00:11:24.470 --> 00:11:26.690 You don't have to believe what they're saying, 00:11:27.090 --> 00:11:30.129 but at least you've exposed yourself to ideas 00:11:30.129 --> 00:11:33.409 you may not have thought of before. As a people, 00:11:33.669 --> 00:11:36.990 we are so stuck in our ways that sometimes we 00:11:36.990 --> 00:11:40.450 fail to consider other options and other perspectives, 00:11:41.210 --> 00:11:43.990 and that in itself is a form of cognitive blindness. 00:11:44.429 --> 00:11:47.090 Let's step out of our bubbles. Let's challenge 00:11:47.090 --> 00:11:50.529 our minds in the way we think. Because if we're 00:11:50.529 --> 00:11:52.409 not challenging our minds in the way we think, 00:11:52.649 --> 00:11:54.850 we're not strengthening our minds, and our minds 00:11:54.850 --> 00:11:57.129 are the most powerful tool we have to combat 00:11:57.129 --> 00:12:00.879 sin. I see this a lot in politics. We all have 00:12:00.879 --> 00:12:03.220 areas of cognitive blindness or confirmation 00:12:03.220 --> 00:12:06.620 bias. What would happen if we have had a la -het 00:12:06.620 --> 00:12:09.200 -se -gree -to -dis -gree mindset instead of a 00:12:09.200 --> 00:12:12.100 I'm -right -in -your -wrong mindset? My friends, 00:12:12.279 --> 00:12:15.259 that's called ego. And la -het -se -gree -to 00:12:15.259 --> 00:12:20.299 -dress cultural blindness. This form of spiritual 00:12:20.299 --> 00:12:23.600 blindness stems from the societal norms and values 00:12:23.600 --> 00:12:26.639 we are raised with. Culture shapes our worldview, 00:12:27.399 --> 00:12:31.909 often leading us to uphold biases and prejudices 00:12:31.909 --> 00:12:35.990 consciously. Historically, cultures have oppressed 00:12:35.990 --> 00:12:39.090 groups based on race, gender, and religion, usually 00:12:39.090 --> 00:12:41.889 justified by a distorted understanding of faith. 00:12:42.169 --> 00:12:46.330 The hink about the Salem witch trials were the 00:12:46.330 --> 00:12:50.049 crusades, events driven by cultural norms that 00:12:50.049 --> 00:12:52.750 blinded societies to compassion and justice. 00:12:52.909 --> 00:12:55.169 In today's world, culture blindness manifests 00:12:55.169 --> 00:12:58.159 in systems. In today's world, cultural blindness 00:12:58.159 --> 00:13:01.779 manifests in systemic racism, sexism, and other 00:13:01.779 --> 00:13:04.980 forms of discrimination that continues to divide 00:13:04.980 --> 00:13:08.179 us. So how can we combat these forms of spiritual 00:13:08.179 --> 00:13:11.460 blindness? How can we enhance our spiritual awareness 00:13:11.460 --> 00:13:14.799 and intuition? First, let's talk about mindfulness. 00:13:15.340 --> 00:13:18.960 Being present at the moment allows us to connect 00:13:18.960 --> 00:13:21.860 with our emotions and those around us. Try daily 00:13:21.860 --> 00:13:25.159 meditation or simple or simply take a moment 00:13:25.159 --> 00:13:28.899 to breathe deeply and reflect. This practice 00:13:28.899 --> 00:13:31.960 cultivates awareness and opens the door to deeper 00:13:31.960 --> 00:13:36.000 understanding. Next, consider journal. Hiding 00:13:36.000 --> 00:13:38.500 about your thoughts and feelings can help clarify 00:13:38.500 --> 00:13:41.419 your beliefs and biases. It's a powerful tool 00:13:41.419 --> 00:13:43.960 for self -reflection that can reveal patterns 00:13:43.960 --> 00:13:47.139 of emotional and cognitive blindness. Another 00:13:47.139 --> 00:13:50.700 technique is engaging in active listening. When 00:13:50.700 --> 00:13:53.399 we truly listen to others, without judgment or 00:13:53.399 --> 00:13:56.440 an agenda, we gain new perspectives and deepen 00:13:56.440 --> 00:14:00.080 our understanding. This practice can break down 00:14:00.080 --> 00:14:03.259 the barriers created by cognitive and cultural 00:14:03.259 --> 00:14:06.480 bias. And let's not forget about community. Surrounding 00:14:06.480 --> 00:14:09.480 ourselves with diverse voices and experiences 00:14:09.480 --> 00:14:12.159 can challenge our worldview and promote spiritual 00:14:12.159 --> 00:14:14.700 growth. Seek out conversations with people who 00:14:14.700 --> 00:14:16.919 think differently than you. You may be surprised 00:14:16.919 --> 00:14:18.840 by what you learn, but understanding its role 00:14:18.840 --> 00:14:21.740 in our spiritual development is crucial. In simple 00:14:21.740 --> 00:14:25.440 terms, our ego is the part of us that identifies 00:14:25.440 --> 00:14:27.379 with the thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. 00:14:28.200 --> 00:14:31.100 It's how we perceive ourselves about the world 00:14:31.100 --> 00:14:33.240 around us. While the ego can help us navigate 00:14:33.240 --> 00:14:35.500 through life, it can also cloud our judgment 00:14:35.500 --> 00:14:38.440 and perception, leading us into spiritual blindness. 00:14:38.620 --> 00:14:41.299 Ego says, I'm too full of myself to be hungry 00:14:41.299 --> 00:14:44.159 for Jesus. Let's take a moment to think about 00:14:44.159 --> 00:14:47.179 this. Have you ever encountered a situation where 00:14:47.179 --> 00:14:50.120 your beliefs seem so clear, and someone else 00:14:50.120 --> 00:14:54.240 saw it? entirely differently, or perhaps you 00:14:54.240 --> 00:14:57.620 felt very confident about your spiritual journey 00:14:57.620 --> 00:15:00.080 only to realize a little hater that you had missed 00:15:00.080 --> 00:15:02.740 some behind the truth. This is where the ego 00:15:02.740 --> 00:15:05.440 steps in, creating a barrier that can distort 00:15:05.440 --> 00:15:08.200 our understanding in connection with the devil, 00:15:08.379 --> 00:15:12.620 with Jesus. You see, the ego thrives on certainty. 00:15:13.039 --> 00:15:16.919 It craves validation and often resists anything 00:15:16.919 --> 00:15:19.639 that might challenge its established beliefs. 00:15:19.980 --> 00:15:22.279 The Hiss is where spiritual blindness can creep 00:15:22.279 --> 00:15:25.759 in. When we are overly attached to our egos, 00:15:25.940 --> 00:15:28.460 we may find ourselves trapped in a bubble of 00:15:28.460 --> 00:15:30.720 self -righteousness, unable to see the broader 00:15:30.720 --> 00:15:34.279 picture of spiritual truth. We can become so 00:15:34.279 --> 00:15:37.559 consumed by our inner narratives that we fail 00:15:37.559 --> 00:15:41.100 to recognize the wisdom and perspectives beyond 00:15:41.100 --> 00:15:43.940 our own. I mentioned this in a previous episode, 00:15:44.200 --> 00:15:46.399 but for those that don't know, about 8 months 00:15:46.399 --> 00:15:49.529 ago, I was rushed into the hospital because I 00:15:49.529 --> 00:15:53.490 looked very malnourished. I had lost 10 pounds 00:15:53.490 --> 00:15:56.009 in two weeks, and the doctor told me that I was 00:15:56.009 --> 00:15:58.470 about a week from death. A person thinks a lot 00:15:58.470 --> 00:16:02.210 about his life after experiencing a traumatic 00:16:02.210 --> 00:16:05.009 event. Since this experience, it's been much 00:16:05.009 --> 00:16:08.190 easier for me to slow down and think. I often 00:16:08.190 --> 00:16:11.330 have moments of solitude. I have learned a lot 00:16:11.330 --> 00:16:13.700 about myself in the past eight months. There 00:16:13.700 --> 00:16:16.580 are some really good things and some things I 00:16:16.580 --> 00:16:18.899 can work on. For example, something I can work 00:16:18.899 --> 00:16:22.860 on. My world has to be completely torn to shreds 00:16:22.860 --> 00:16:26.059 before I get that wake -up call that something 00:16:26.059 --> 00:16:29.720 needs to change. I feel like God had metaphorically 00:16:29.720 --> 00:16:33.120 smacked me in the face before I finally listened 00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:35.759 to him. He's been teaching me to slow down for 00:16:35.759 --> 00:16:38.600 the past eight months. I was in that hospital 00:16:38.600 --> 00:16:42.240 for 16 days. A lot of those hours I spent alone. 00:16:42.320 --> 00:16:44.559 And I had no choice but to listen to God and 00:16:44.559 --> 00:16:46.799 what he had to tell me. Ego kills relationships. 00:16:47.259 --> 00:16:49.779 Your ego is the number one killer of relationships. 00:16:50.059 --> 00:16:52.379 It doesn't matter if it's platonic or romantic. 00:16:52.600 --> 00:16:54.600 Ego won't let you see what you've done wrong. 00:16:54.799 --> 00:16:57.419 Ego makes you believe that everyone else is wrong. 00:16:58.860 --> 00:17:01.779 Relationships are hard. If friendships are difficult, 00:17:02.159 --> 00:17:06.140 I can't even imagine how difficult it is to be 00:17:06.140 --> 00:17:09.910 in a romantic one. Actually, I know how hard 00:17:09.910 --> 00:17:13.529 romantic relationships are because I've been 00:17:13.529 --> 00:17:15.849 in a few and I'd still be in those relationships 00:17:15.849 --> 00:17:19.529 if it weren't for my own ego. We often tend to 00:17:19.529 --> 00:17:22.190 self -sabotage ourselves in our relationships 00:17:22.190 --> 00:17:25.230 because we get scared, because perhaps the idea 00:17:25.230 --> 00:17:28.690 of lowering our ego to raise someone else's is 00:17:28.690 --> 00:17:31.690 hard. Relationships are all about sacrificing 00:17:31.690 --> 00:17:34.490 our wants, needs, and desires for someone else's 00:17:34.490 --> 00:17:36.990 wants, needs, and desires. Your ego knows how 00:17:36.990 --> 00:17:40.069 to protect, reject, and deflect. It doesn't know 00:17:40.069 --> 00:17:43.509 how to connect. And you need connections in that 00:17:43.509 --> 00:17:46.950 relationship for it to thrive. The ego is like... 00:17:46.950 --> 00:17:50.430 Parasite. It hatches onto anything and everything. 00:17:50.509 --> 00:17:53.289 If you keep feeding it, it gets bigger and bigger. 00:17:53.690 --> 00:17:57.109 But if you starve it, it'll eventually die. Apologizing 00:17:57.109 --> 00:17:59.289 doesn't necessarily mean you admit that you're 00:17:59.289 --> 00:18:02.019 wrong. And the other person is right. It just 00:18:02.019 --> 00:18:04.220 means you value your relationship more than your 00:18:04.220 --> 00:18:06.420 ego. Now let's dig deeper into the concept of 00:18:06.420 --> 00:18:11.059 spiritual bypassing. This term describes a phenomenon 00:18:11.059 --> 00:18:14.099 where individuals here use spiritual beliefs 00:18:14.099 --> 00:18:17.440 and practices to avoid addressing emotional pain, 00:18:17.640 --> 00:18:21.019 trauma, or unresolved issues. It's like putting 00:18:21.019 --> 00:18:25.259 a shiny spiritual veneer over a deep wound, hoping 00:18:25.259 --> 00:18:28.140 it will somehow heal itself. The danger here 00:18:28.140 --> 00:18:31.529 is that spiritual bypassing can lead to spiritual 00:18:31.529 --> 00:18:34.309 blindness as we may convince ourselves that we 00:18:34.309 --> 00:18:37.569 are on a higher path while neglecting the foundational 00:18:37.569 --> 00:18:40.569 work that truly supports our growth. Imagine 00:18:40.569 --> 00:18:43.289 a beautiful tree that stands tall and strong. 00:18:43.789 --> 00:18:46.750 Its branches reach for the heavens and its leaves 00:18:46.750 --> 00:18:48.930 shimmer in the sunlight. But if the roots are 00:18:48.930 --> 00:18:53.670 weak and ungrounded, that tree is susceptible 00:18:53.670 --> 00:18:56.900 to storms and can easily topple over. In the 00:18:56.900 --> 00:19:00.380 same way, if we ignore our emotional and psychological 00:19:00.380 --> 00:19:03.160 roots, he can become spiritually imbalanced, 00:19:03.940 --> 00:19:07.140 relying solely on surface -level spirituality 00:19:07.140 --> 00:19:11.400 to navigate our lives. So how does the ego contribute 00:19:11.400 --> 00:19:15.079 to this? The ego often tells us that we need 00:19:15.079 --> 00:19:18.279 to be better or more enlightened, creating a 00:19:18.279 --> 00:19:21.269 hierarchy in our spiritual journeys. that this 00:19:21.269 --> 00:19:23.950 can lead to a false sense of superiority over 00:19:23.950 --> 00:19:26.630 others struggling or questioning their path. 00:19:27.009 --> 00:19:30.250 When we are defining our worth by spiritual accomplishments, 00:19:30.490 --> 00:19:33.450 we risk excluding ourselves from the beauty and 00:19:33.450 --> 00:19:36.089 the human experience, the joys, the struggles, 00:19:36.410 --> 00:19:39.690 the growth that comes from being authentically 00:19:39.690 --> 00:19:42.390 vulnerable. The irony is that true spiritual 00:19:42.390 --> 00:19:45.450 growth often occurs when we allow ourselves to 00:19:45.450 --> 00:19:50.160 be imperfect, to embrace our flaws. and challenges. 00:19:50.920 --> 00:19:53.180 In those moments of vulnerability, we can shed 00:19:53.180 --> 00:19:57.039 the layer of ego and begin to see the world through 00:19:57.039 --> 00:19:59.319 a lens of compassion and understanding. This 00:19:59.319 --> 00:20:02.799 is where we can start dismantling spiritual bypassing 00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:05.579 and face the truth that may be hiding beneath 00:20:05.579 --> 00:20:08.539 the surface. Now let's discuss some practical 00:20:08.539 --> 00:20:11.420 ways to recognize and transcend the ego's grip 00:20:11.420 --> 00:20:14.299 on our spiritual journeys. First, cultivate self 00:20:14.299 --> 00:20:17.619 -awareness is essential. Take time to reflect 00:20:17.619 --> 00:20:20.359 on your thoughts, beliefs, and reactions. Ask 00:20:20.359 --> 00:20:23.660 yourself, is my ego speaking or is it my true 00:20:23.660 --> 00:20:26.980 self? Journaling can be a powerful tool here. 00:20:27.140 --> 00:20:29.680 Write down your thoughts and feelings and observe 00:20:29.680 --> 00:20:32.799 any patterns that arise. This practice can help 00:20:32.799 --> 00:20:35.220 you identify when your ego is in the driver's 00:20:35.220 --> 00:20:37.700 seat. Next, embrace humility. Remember that we 00:20:37.700 --> 00:20:40.519 are all on different paths. No one is more in 00:20:40.519 --> 00:20:44.119 line than another. We can learn from everyone 00:20:44.119 --> 00:20:47.299 we meet. whether they are seasonal spiritual 00:20:47.299 --> 00:20:49.759 seekers or those just beginning their journey. 00:20:50.099 --> 00:20:52.779 Instead of seeking validation, open yourselves 00:20:52.779 --> 00:20:56.259 up to wisdom of listening to others. Engage in 00:20:56.259 --> 00:20:58.960 conversations with an open heart and allow yourselves 00:20:58.960 --> 00:21:01.960 to be challenged and inspired by different perspectives. 00:21:02.740 --> 00:21:06.059 Moreover, practice mindfulness. Mindfulness allows 00:21:06.059 --> 00:21:08.160 us to observe our thoughts without judgment. 00:21:08.240 --> 00:21:10.480 When we create space between ourselves and our 00:21:10.480 --> 00:21:13.890 ego -driven thoughts, we can start to see them 00:21:13.890 --> 00:21:16.990 where they are in temporary and often misguided 00:21:16.990 --> 00:21:19.650 perceptions. Engage in mindfulness practices 00:21:19.650 --> 00:21:22.670 such as meditation or deep breathing to ground 00:21:22.670 --> 00:21:25.029 yourself and connect with your true essence. 00:21:25.849 --> 00:21:28.609 Lastly, seek out community. Surround yourself 00:21:28.609 --> 00:21:32.109 with like -minded individuals who encourage authentic 00:21:32.109 --> 00:21:35.910 authenticity and vulnerability. Show your experiences, 00:21:36.390 --> 00:21:38.890 fear, and triumphs without the fear of judgment. 00:21:39.589 --> 00:21:42.130 Vulnerability is a powerful antidote to ego. 00:21:42.410 --> 00:21:45.990 We create a safe space for growth and healing 00:21:45.990 --> 00:21:48.890 when we come together in the spirit of support. 00:21:48.950 --> 00:21:51.349 As we peel back the layer of ego and spiritual 00:21:51.349 --> 00:21:54.349 bypassing, we open ourselves up to a deeper connection 00:21:54.349 --> 00:21:58.650 with Jesus. We start to see the sacred and the 00:21:58.650 --> 00:22:01.990 mundane, the beauty in our struggles and the 00:22:01.990 --> 00:22:04.710 lessons in our challenges. Spiritual blindness 00:22:04.710 --> 00:22:07.789 fades and we become more attuned to the whispers 00:22:07.789 --> 00:22:10.450 of our souls. Remember, our spiritual journeys 00:22:10.450 --> 00:22:13.240 are not linear. They're filled with twists and 00:22:13.240 --> 00:22:17.099 turns, moments of clarity, and times of confusion. 00:22:17.779 --> 00:22:20.680 It's okay to feel lost or uncertain. Embrace 00:22:20.680 --> 00:22:24.460 those moments as opportunities for growth. Allow 00:22:24.460 --> 00:22:27.319 yourself to be a student of life and know that 00:22:27.319 --> 00:22:29.779 every experience, whether joyful or painful, 00:22:29.920 --> 00:22:32.380 is a stepping stone towards greater understanding. 00:22:32.400 --> 00:22:35.740 As we navigate this whining path of self -discovery, 00:22:35.980 --> 00:22:39.079 we inevitably encounter moments that challenge 00:22:39.079 --> 00:22:42.730 us and ask us to conf— confront uncomfortable 00:22:42.730 --> 00:22:45.269 truths. So let's start with the question, what 00:22:45.269 --> 00:22:47.509 comes to mind when you hear that phrase? First, 00:22:47.670 --> 00:22:50.609 let's talk about why we often avoid uncomfortable 00:22:50.609 --> 00:22:53.569 truths. It's a natural human instinct to seek 00:22:53.569 --> 00:22:56.710 comfort and safety. We're wired to protect ourselves 00:22:56.710 --> 00:22:59.869 from pain, disappointment, and conflict. But 00:22:59.869 --> 00:23:02.170 what if I told you that avoiding these truths 00:23:02.170 --> 00:23:05.890 often lead to more pain in the long run? When 00:23:05.890 --> 00:23:09.990 we ignore what's uncomfortable, we create barriers 00:23:09.990 --> 00:23:12.779 in our relationships. will limit our personal 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:16.160 growth and hinder our spiritual journeys. It's 00:23:16.160 --> 00:23:19.519 like putting on blinders to the world around 00:23:19.519 --> 00:23:22.819 us. We might feel safe for a moment, but eventually 00:23:22.819 --> 00:23:25.480 those those blinders become a prison. So how 00:23:25.480 --> 00:23:27.599 do we begin to face these uncomfortable truths? 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:31.099 Here are a few strategies I've found helpful 00:23:31.099 --> 00:23:34.119 on my journey, and I hope they resonate with 00:23:34.119 --> 00:23:37.420 you as well. The first step is to acknowledge 00:23:37.420 --> 00:23:41.250 your feelings. It's essential to recognize that 00:23:41.250 --> 00:23:43.390 the healing uncomfortable is part of being human. 00:23:44.029 --> 00:23:45.950 Permit yourself to feel what you're feeling. 00:23:46.690 --> 00:23:48.990 Sit with those emotions for a moment. Whether 00:23:48.990 --> 00:23:52.990 it's fear, anxiety, anger, or sadness, reflect 00:23:52.990 --> 00:23:57.529 on why these feelings are arising and what they 00:23:57.529 --> 00:23:59.609 may be trying to teach you. By acknowledging 00:23:59.609 --> 00:24:03.309 your feelings, you create space for understanding 00:24:03.309 --> 00:24:07.130 and healing. It's like shining a light on a shadowy 00:24:07.130 --> 00:24:09.900 corner of your mind. Instead of running away, 00:24:10.160 --> 00:24:12.980 you're choosing to face it head on. The second 00:24:12.980 --> 00:24:16.259 strategy is to seek support. Facing uncomfortable 00:24:16.259 --> 00:24:19.460 truths doesn't have to be a solo endeavor. Reach 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:22.259 out to trusted friends, family members, or mentors 00:24:22.259 --> 00:24:25.720 who can provide guidance and encouragement. Sometimes 00:24:25.720 --> 00:24:28.279 talking about what's bothering you can help lighten 00:24:28.279 --> 00:24:32.319 the load. Consider joining a community or support 00:24:32.319 --> 00:24:34.859 group where you can share your experiences. and 00:24:34.859 --> 00:24:37.119 hear from others navigating similar challenges. 00:24:37.220 --> 00:24:40.140 Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Vulnerability 00:24:40.140 --> 00:24:43.059 is a strength, and sharing your truth can foster 00:24:43.059 --> 00:24:45.680 deeper connections with others. Next, let's talk 00:24:45.680 --> 00:24:48.900 about embracing the discomfort. This might seem 00:24:48.900 --> 00:24:51.859 counterintuitive, but allowing yourself to sit 00:24:51.859 --> 00:24:54.539 in your discomfort can lead to profound insights. 00:24:55.119 --> 00:24:57.519 Instead of avoiding situations that make you 00:24:57.519 --> 00:25:00.640 uneasy, try leaning into them. This can mean 00:25:00.640 --> 00:25:03.200 having that tough conversation you've been putting 00:25:03.200 --> 00:25:05.920 off, addressing your fears, or even confronting 00:25:05.920 --> 00:25:09.900 societal issues that weigh on your heart. Embracing 00:25:09.900 --> 00:25:12.619 discomfort allows you to break free from the 00:25:12.619 --> 00:25:16.220 chains of avoidance and step into your authentic 00:25:16.220 --> 00:25:20.339 selves. Now let's reflect on your values. When 00:25:20.339 --> 00:25:22.440 you come face to face with uncomfortable truths, 00:25:22.920 --> 00:25:25.279 it's important to ground yourself in your core 00:25:25.279 --> 00:25:28.299 values. What truly matters to you? What do you 00:25:28.299 --> 00:25:31.000 stand for? You create a strong foundation for 00:25:31.000 --> 00:25:34.359 navigating discomfort, that his alignment can 00:25:34.359 --> 00:25:36.880 give you the courage to face hard truths and 00:25:36.880 --> 00:25:39.099 make necessary changes in your life. Finally, 00:25:39.119 --> 00:25:42.319 let's talk about action. Once you've acknowledged 00:25:42.319 --> 00:25:45.720 your feelings, sought support, embraced discomfort, 00:25:46.079 --> 00:25:48.359 and reflected on your values, it's time to take 00:25:48.359 --> 00:25:51.759 action. Change doesn't happen overnight. Small 00:25:51.759 --> 00:25:55.369 steps can lead to... significant transformation. 00:25:55.450 --> 00:25:58.450 Consider heading specific goals that align with 00:25:58.450 --> 00:26:01.269 the truths you've uncovered. Whether committing 00:26:01.269 --> 00:26:04.410 to an open communication in your relationship, 00:26:04.869 --> 00:26:09.190 engaging in community service, or addressing 00:26:09.190 --> 00:26:12.710 personal habits, taking action is a powerful 00:26:12.710 --> 00:26:16.529 way to reclaim your narrative. I encourage each 00:26:16.529 --> 00:26:18.829 of you to take a moment to reflect on your spiritual 00:26:18.829 --> 00:26:21.819 insight. Have you identified any areas in your 00:26:21.819 --> 00:26:23.980 life where you may feel a sense of spiritual 00:26:23.980 --> 00:26:26.579 blindness? It could be a great time to seek out 00:26:26.579 --> 00:26:31.259 experiences that offer fresh perspectives. Let's 00:26:31.259 --> 00:26:34.140 not forget the inspiring story of the man in 00:26:34.140 --> 00:26:37.900 John 9. He didn't just regain his sight, he also 00:26:37.900 --> 00:26:41.339 became a witness to a miraculous event which 00:26:41.339 --> 00:26:44.940 led others to encounter Jesus. Similarly, When 00:26:44.940 --> 00:26:48.099 we attain spiritual clarity, we can share that 00:26:48.099 --> 00:26:50.900 light with those around us. I sincerely hope 00:26:50.900 --> 00:26:53.720 our conversation today has ignited a desire within 00:26:53.720 --> 00:26:56.420 you to delve deeper into your faiths and support 00:26:56.420 --> 00:27:00.180 those who may be guru, grappling with spiritual 00:27:00.180 --> 00:27:02.779 blindness. It's a challenge we all encounter, 00:27:03.240 --> 00:27:06.039 but it also presents an opportunity for growth 00:27:06.039 --> 00:27:09.059 and transformation. So let's look beyond our 00:27:09.059 --> 00:27:11.640 current circumstances and acknowledge that Jesus 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:15.500 presence in our life. As we wrap up today's episode, 00:27:15.799 --> 00:27:18.480 I encourage you to ponder your own experiences 00:27:18.480 --> 00:27:21.339 with spiritual blindness and consider addressing 00:27:21.339 --> 00:27:24.640 any emotional barriers that may be hindering 00:27:24.640 --> 00:27:28.319 your spiritual growth. Are there cognitive biases 00:27:28.319 --> 00:27:31.839 that could be limiting your understanding? And 00:27:31.839 --> 00:27:34.000 how might cultural influences be shaping your 00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:36.200 beliefs? I want to encourage you to embrace the 00:27:36.200 --> 00:27:38.640 uncomfortable truths in your life. Challenge 00:27:38.640 --> 00:27:41.650 yourself to face them head on. who remember the 00:27:41.650 --> 00:27:44.589 process may be difficult, but the rewards are 00:27:44.589 --> 00:27:47.410 immeasurable. Let's remember that spiritual growth 00:27:47.410 --> 00:27:50.309 is an ongoing journey that requires us to be 00:27:50.309 --> 00:27:53.990 vulnerable, open, and willing to confront our 00:27:53.990 --> 00:27:57.309 limitations. Thank you for joining me on the 00:27:57.309 --> 00:27:59.710 Unfiltered Faith Podcast. If you liked today's 00:27:59.710 --> 00:28:01.730 episode, please share it with your friends and 00:28:01.730 --> 00:28:05.710 family to help spread the message of awareness 00:28:05.710 --> 00:28:08.220 and growth. I invite you to contemplate your 00:28:08.220 --> 00:28:10.460 relationship with ego and spiritual blindness. 00:28:11.220 --> 00:28:13.940 Are there areas in your life where you may be 00:28:13.940 --> 00:28:17.579 experiencing spiritual bypassing? How can you 00:28:17.579 --> 00:28:20.019 free yourself from the constraints of ego and 00:28:20.019 --> 00:28:23.539 embrace a more authentic expression of your spiritual 00:28:23.539 --> 00:28:25.980 life? Let's always remember that spirituality 00:28:25.980 --> 00:28:28.759 is not about perfection. It's about connection. 00:28:29.119 --> 00:28:32.799 Connection to ourselves, others, and God. By 00:28:32.799 --> 00:28:35.900 embracing our unfiltered authentic selves where 00:28:35.900 --> 00:28:38.700 he can shine a light on the shadows of the ego 00:28:38.700 --> 00:28:41.240 and spiritual blindness, paving the way for profound 00:28:41.240 --> 00:28:43.480 growth and transformation. Thank you once again 00:28:43.480 --> 00:28:46.079 for joining me today on the Unfiltered Faith 00:28:46.079 --> 00:28:49.160 Podcast, seeking those fresh perspectives. And 00:28:49.160 --> 00:28:51.799 let's keep having those unfiltered conversations 00:28:51.799 --> 00:28:54.779 that give us just a little more understanding 00:28:54.779 --> 00:28:55.880 of the world around us.