The natural state of affairs is for us to be blind to the things of the Lord. The blindness leaves us idle, unproductive, and unable to help ourselves. While we are all brought into the world in this condition, many never see their need, and end up moving into deeper and deeper levels of self-deception and self-destruction. To come to terms with the reality is itself a gift from God. The Church Father Augustine once noted that "man does not obtain grace by freedom, but obtains freedom by grace". Like the blind men, we must come to the Son of David for mercy; to seek what only He can offer. Elsewhere He has told us that apart from the rebirth, we can't even see the kingdom of God (John 3:3); yet when He gives sight, we are not only given the kingdom, but many other gifts added to it (Matt. 6:33). Consider your blindness apart from the Lord – from what has He all saved you? If you have received the gift of sight, persevere in thankfulness. If you have not received this gift, then cry out, for He denies no one who comes to Him for mercy.