Doubt's Origin

The person who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins. - 2 Peter 1:9

Where does doubt originate in the life of a Christ-follower? It is an important question, because I have often spoken with those who wonder if they truly are disciples, simply because they have trouble following Jesus consistently.

Consider Peter's explanation. If the qualities that he laid out in verses five through eight are not possessed by a follower of Christ, then he or she will be "like" a blind person. The disciple will "feel" and "act" as if he lacks spiritual sight, even though he or she does not. This person may even forget that they have been forgiven, that their sins have been removed by the blood of Christ. In other words, they will begin to doubt the authenticity of their relationship with Christ.

The origin of spiritual doubt is undisciplined disobedience. It springs from spiritual laziness. We are all prone to it, but some of us just manage it better than others. Repentance is the first step to reassurance.

I am not the only one that condemns the idle; for once when I was going to give our minister a pretty long list of the sins of one of our people that he was asking after, I began with, "He's dreadfully lazy." "That's enough," said the old gentleman; " all sorts of sins are in that one. - Charles Spurgeon