Posted 12 years ago by David Diga Hernandez
“For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
- James 1:7-8
Notice the extreme here: unstable in ALL his ways. A double-minded person is emotionally unstable, financially unstable, socially unstable and even spiritually unstable. A double-minded individual will waver back and forth on a decision. One day, he’s ready to serve the Lord, and the next day, he’s calling it quits.
From one day to the next, an double-minded man will appreciate the relationships he has, and then the next day feel trapped by them. A double-minded man will affirm a decision confidently and excitedly only to dismiss it within it few days.
So how can you avoid being double-minded? Here are three keys to avoiding the chaos that comes with a double mind:
#1 Feelings VS. Truth
The first key is to not base anything you do off of feelings. One day, you may feel like living for the Lord, and the next day you may not. This is why living based on feelings can lead to a back-and-forth walk with God. Determine to live life by the truth of scripture and not the feelings of the flesh.
The flesh is easily deceived. Your blessings (friendships, ministry, accountability, holiness) can look like burdens once you develop a hard heart and a rotten attitude. Feelings will take for granted the blessings that God gives to you.
#2 Principles VS. Circumstance
Double-minded people tend to always decide based on whatever suits their mood and benefits their own. For example, a double-minded person may be upset with you if you use something of theirs without asking. But the moment they use something of yours without asking, they justify it. Why? Because they live on circumstances and not principles. Whatever circumstance benefits them, they will submit to.
This, of course, can apply to a number of things. Generally speaking, a double-minded individual will do to you the things they don’t want done to them…. and then justify it. No matter the circumstance, they will pick and choose to live only by the principles that benefit them in the moment and discard that same principle when it inconveniences them. Be consistent and live on principle, not circumstance.
#3 Commitment VS. Cowering
When it comes to a double-minded person, commitment is perhaps the most difficult thing for them to accept. They will “commit” to something and then drop it days later, explaining that they never really wanted to do it in the first place. This is a dangerous way to live. It will cause your friends to distrust you, your word to lose value and will prevent you from maturing in many aspects.
Commitment is just what it seems to be: a decision to continue in something, despite feelings or circumstance. The longer you live a double-minded life, the less likely it is that you’ll ever stop. Ask for God’s help today and choose to not longer be double-minded.
Ultimately, a double mind stems from an unclean heart, an impure spirit.
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
- James 4:8
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