When Double is Trouble
Today’s Verse:
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. ~James 1:8
Are you someone who has a hard time making a decision? Do you find yourself in turmoil because you have divided interests? James said that "a double minded man is unstable in all his ways." The idea of being double-minded means to be “two-souled.” Let us see the importance of being able to make solid decisions and being concretely stable about our belief.
There is the characteristic of a double-minded man.
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” The faith of this kind of man is described as being like a wave of the sea that is driven by the wind. He is unsettled concerning his doctrine, his duty, and his devotion. He is easily persuaded by different arguments. He sides with everybody but is not clearly identified with what he believes. He is described elsewhere in Scripture as having an immature faith that is not deeply rooted. He is like Reuben, who is described as being unstable as water.
There is the consternation of a double-minded man.
He is unstable in all his ways. In every area of his life, there is an element of instability. He is someone who might be uncertain as to his eternal security. He might have trouble finding security in God’s grace working in his life. He believes in God but has doubts about God’s ability. This man asks, “Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?” when, instead, his faith should be, “Yes, God can!” He goes through the motions in prayer but doubts, in practice, that God will perform. He has the idea that other people can see God answer their prayers, but God cannot answer his. He lives in a constant state of indecision. His prayers are shallow. His life is at the spiritual poverty line. He lives in defeat more than in victory.
There is the credibility of a double-minded man.
A double-minded man cannot be entrusted with things of faith. He is someone that can be easily misled by the winds of false teachers, fiery trials, or falsified tactics. He cannot be a trusted preacher or teacher because he is indecisive. He is not an ideal mentor for new and ungrounded believers. He is not a suitable leader of men given his indecisive tendencies. He lacks credibility as to the foundation of his beliefs. He is unstable in all his ways.
There is the cure for a double-minded man.
In James 4:8, the double-minded man is commanded to purify his heart. He must confess the sin of being torn between two worlds, and he must be all the way in with God. He needs to be grounded in the doctrines of the faith. He must be ingrained with a firm understanding of God’s Word and its infallibility. He must, then, learn to be able to trust God for his life in prayer and in the walk of faith. He must submit to pastoral leadership and the discipleship mentoring of a mature Christian in his local church. He should memorize Scripture to help reinforce the things that he has been taught. He must be convinced in his heart that God can be trusted in every facet of his life. He must let go of his doubts and trust in God completely.
Don’t let a double mind rob you of the blessings of God! Don’t live with a faith that is paralyzed and unable to trust God. Don’t let the trials in your life make you doubt God. Have faith in the God of Creation to take care of you and lead your faith.
Have a single-minded God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Acts 4-6