Definition and Nature:
Spiritual blindness refers to the inability or unwillingness to perceive and understand spiritual truths. It is a condition where individuals are unable to see the reality of God's presence, His work, and His truth as revealed in Scripture. This blindness can affect both believers and non-believers, leading to a lack of discernment and understanding of God's will.

Biblical References:
The Bible frequently addresses the issue of spiritual blindness. In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah speaks of a people who "hear but never understand; who see but never perceive" (Isaiah 6:9). This condition is often linked to a hardened heart and a refusal to turn to God.

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses spiritual blindness in His teachings. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind" (John 9:39). Here, Jesus contrasts physical blindness with spiritual insight, emphasizing the need for spiritual awakening.

Causes of Spiritual Blindness:
1. Sin and Disobedience: Sin creates a barrier between individuals and God, leading to spiritual blindness. As stated in 2 Corinthians 4:4, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" .

2. Pride and Self-Reliance: Pride can lead to a false sense of self-sufficiency, blinding individuals to their need for God's guidance. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" .

3. Worldly Influences: The distractions and values of the world can obscure spiritual truths. Romans 12:2 advises, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" .

Guarding Against Spiritual Blindness:
1. Prayer and Dependence on the Holy Spirit: Regular prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit are essential for spiritual insight. Ephesians 1:17-18 encourages believers to pray for "the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened" .

2. Engagement with Scripture: Immersing oneself in the Word of God is crucial for spiritual clarity. Psalm 119:105 states, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" .

3. Humility and Repentance: A humble heart open to correction and repentance is vital. James 4:10 exhorts, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you" .

4. Fellowship with Believers: Engaging in community with other believers provides accountability and encouragement. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another" .

5. Discernment and Testing of Spirits: Believers are called to discern and test spiritual influences. 1 John 4:1 advises, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God" .

Examples in Scripture:
· Pharisees and Religious Leaders: The Gospels frequently depict the Pharisees as spiritually blind, unable to recognize Jesus as the Messiah due to their rigid adherence to tradition and self-righteousness (Matthew 23:16-26).
· The Disciples: At times, even Jesus' disciples struggled with spiritual blindness, failing to understand His teachings and mission until after His resurrection (Mark 8:17-21).

Conclusion:
Guarding against spiritual blindness requires vigilance, humility, and a continual seeking of God's truth through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship. By recognizing the causes and actively pursuing spiritual insight, believers can maintain a clear vision of God's will and purpose in their lives.