Confidence is important. In sports, business and personal relationships, those who are sure of themselves tend to prevail over whoever exhibits uncertainty.
Yet, Ecclesiastes’ wisdom counsels a time and place exists for everything. Is certainty sometimes unwarranted? But when?
On one occasion Jesus healed a blind man informing those near him one reason why he had come into the world. He said he had come so that those who were blind could see. What wonderful news!
However, Jesus continued, he also came so that those who see might become blind (John 9:39). What?
Some of those within ear shot of Jesus’ pronouncement raised a question. Knowing that their eyes were functioning perfectly well, asked, “We are not blind too, are we?” (John 9:40). Jesus responded to these Pharisees that because they claimed to see, their guilt remained.
When people are convinced they already understand spiritual matters, this can create a closed mindedness. When teachableness is lost, a person is stuck with whatever they have. Unfortunately, they might be clinging to false ways.
Jesus termed such misguided over confidence in clinging to false ideas – blindness. Such people have argued, fought and railed against Christ and an accurate presentation of God’s word.
This raises a question. On the one hand we are to hold firmly to our confidence in Christ (Hebrews 3:6,14; 10:35. On the other hand, being confident is no guarantee we are on the right track. So how do avoid a blinding confidence?
Humility counsels adopting the wise path of remaining open to utilizing God’s word to examine what I am understanding (Acts 17:11). Our standard is God’s word, not our feelings, not our sincerity, and not others. As Paul counseled in his letter to the Thessalonian church, "Examine all things; hold fast to what is good" (1 Thess. 5:21).
Unfortunately, the Pharisees were convinced they understood God’s ways. Accordingly, they rejected Jesus. They were not open to his message. However, those who knew that their lives were in shambles and in need of God moved from blindness to seeing.
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