Unstable as Water
Today’s Verse:
Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; ~Genesis 49:4a
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. ~James 1:8
I enjoy looking at the ocean water from the shoreline. When the water is placid, it tends to be calm and predictable, and it appears safe. However, ocean water moves about according to the tides. Ocean water can be safe-looking at one moment, and then, it can become turbulent and treacherous. Jacob described his eldest son, Reuben, as being as unstable as water. Instability is the inability to be certain, confident, decisive, and predictable. Although Reuben was the eldest and presumed to be the most experienced of Jacob’s twelve sons, he sadly was described as a man who fit the characteristics of a doubleminded man. He was a man always wavering, divided in interest, and doubtful. This morning, I want to caution us about the danger of being doubleminded.
A doubleminded man is ungrounded in his ways.
Being ungrounded means a person does not have a firm foundation. This is a person lacking in vital facts. This is a person who is lacking in a stable relationship. He is indecisive about God, about his faith, about his family, and about his relationships. He will tell you one thing and do another. He is not grounded in the wisdom of God’s Word. He makes decisions based on feelings or hearsay. He is not grounded in matters of faith. Faith believes Who God is. One day, he believes God is great; the next day, he thinks God has failed him. He can be easily swayed in a wrong direction or doctrine. He is not grounded in truth and veracity. He does not keep his word and is someone who cannot be trusted. He tends to backslide and disappoint the people around him on a constant basis. This is a man who is ungrounded.
A doubleminded man is ungodly in his ways.
Being doubleminded is an indicator of instability with one’s desires, tendencies, and choices. In short, a doubleminded person is characterized as being ungodly, that is, lacking godliness in his life. He is carnal and sold under sin. Peter said the following about this kind of person: "Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children." Reuben was characterized as a man who defiled his father’s couch. Being ungodly means a person does not choose God. His morals, scruples, and reliability are highly questionable and not to be trusted. James said he is unstable in all his ways. Every aspect of his life tends towards sinful decisions.
A doubleminded man is ungainful in his ways.
Jacob told Reuben, “Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel.” He is completely unprofitable. He is not fruitful in his spiritual life. He is not faithful in his responsibilities or relationships. He is not forthright in his speech or conversation. He is not friendly in his disposition. God cannot bless an unstable life. God cannot bless an unstable marriage. God cannot bless an unstable testimony. Being unstable and doubleminded places a person at risk of job loss, relationship loss, ministry loss, and a wasted life.
So, is there is help? Yes! Confess the sin of being doubleminded! Make a decision to be grounded in the truth of God’s Word and develop your character, conscience, and convictions. Make yourself accountable to your pastor, your parents, and a faithful person whom your pastor approves of. Determine to go from being unstable to being someone who is stable!
Have a steadfast God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Revelation 9-12