**I know I’ve been MIA here for a few weeks now. I’ve had computer troubles. But I’m back ;). So let’s get into this week’s discussion, shall we?
We’ve all heard and/or read this passage from James 1;
Have you ever thought about what double-mindedness looks like? Though the passage is familiar, I believe we often overlook the weight of it. Because of this many of us have been and/or still are double-minded but fail to recognize it in ourselves. Let’s look at this important issue more closely.
Double-minded means one is wavering, uncertain, doubting. It is to have divided interest.
The Greek word translated double-minded in Scripture is δίψυχος (Dipsuchos [dip’-soo-khos]). It literally means to be two spirited – vacillating (indecisive) in opinion or purpose.
The Bible says a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. This means Mr. or Ms. Double-mind is unsteady, faithless and changeable in everything they think, say, and do! According to James 1:7 such individuals will receive nothing from the Lord!
If you are double-minded you can talk faith today and lack trust tomorrow. You can encourage others that God will help them but, regarding yourself, God “NEVER” honors your request! Such individuals often have a “but” ready when confronted with the truth of Scripture. Why is this?
There can be a number of reasons causing one to be double-minded. Neglecting to assemble together with other *true* believers will contribute to double-mindedness. Being separated from the Body is dangerous for a believer. I believe another cause of double-mindedness is a lack of understanding. Most of the time if someone mentions double-mindedness they just call it doubt; “if you doubt you are double-minded.” While doubt is definitely a fundamental component of the double-minded, it is seldom explained just how subtle double-mindedness can be. It is something we all (no matter how strong we believe ourselves to be) have to be on guard against.
For example, ladies, when Aunt Flo comes to town and emotions want to take the helm, you are in a perfect position for double-mindedness to creep in. Emotions are high, perhaps a little depression starts to set in, and before you know it you’ve become soft in the head and loose at the lips. At times like these “God is to blame for…;” “God never….;” and so on. I have even heard individuals say such foolhardy things as “faith (in God) does not work.” I mean, think about it; if faith in God doesn’t work then how can we be saved? See? Letting emotions run away with your mouth causes one to be reckless with words.
Is it not an unreasonable speech for a man at midnight to say, it will never be day? It is as unreasonable for a man in trouble to say, O Lord, I shall never get free; it will always be thus! ~Richard Sibbes
Cultivating Double-mindedness
We think of double-mindedness in regards to a lack of real trust in God; however, have you ever thought about the ways in which we cultivate double-mindedness?
Think about it. You need a job; you pray and eventually get a job. You are thankful and happy for the job. It’s even “better than other jobs” you’ve had. You couldn’t be more positive! Once you become accustomed to the work, however, the job suddenly isn’t that good anymore. Annoyances and frustrations with conditions and people cause you to become an unthankful griper, who can’t even see one blessing in having the job in the first place. Double-Minded!
Think about those times we become impatient with one thing or another. I have watched people lose patience with inanimate objects they can’t “work.” Next thing you know it’s the worse piece of junk known to man, they hate it, etc… My first thought is, if it’s so bad then quit using it! We love this stuff when it works the way we want when we want. Have a glitch though, even if it’s our fault, then an instant hatred for it spews from our lips. Double-Minded!
Examine how you deal with what God has blessed you with. Do you give credit to God while in your Christian circles, only to treat it as worthless when you think no one’s looking? Double-minded!
Examine your relationship with people. Do you thank God for your spouse one moment and then disparage them for their faults the next? Double-minded!
Even with God our trust so often comes with strings attached. If everything is going good (money in the bank, food on the table, no health scares etc…) then God is trustworthy, wonderful and worthy to be praised! Let life happen and it’s a totally different story. The God we want and can’t wait to see suddenly becomes the recipient of complaints, contempt and vicious hostility. Double-Minded!
The double-minded are indecisive, confused and unable to truly trust God as they should. Double-mindedness is disobedience to God. It is also dangerous for the believer (Hebrews 10:38; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11).
When we don’t practice counting our blessings and being thankful, double-mindedness is sure to enter in. When we don’t train ourselves to govern our thoughts, words and emotions we will remain bouncing around on those waves the Apostle James talked about. When we don’t acknowledge this tendency in the small, mundane situations of life we will develop a habit that carries over into our walk with God.
I think every believer has been bitten by the double-minded bug at one point or another in their walk with God. I can and will admit that I have been guilty of this in some way or another myself. I have learned though, it can be avoided.
We must take a moment to search ourselves. If we have been traveling the double-minded path, we need to repent now. Be honest with God and repent of our disrespect and distrust of Him; repent of practicing double-minded living – even if unwittingly.
Therefore if any man be in Christ,he is a new creature:old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2Co 5:17 Click To TweetLet yourself be the new creature in Christ by allowing those old ways, thoughts, and speech to pass away. We have to cooperate with the process of transformation; our mind has to be renewed. (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:17-20; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:10; 1 John 2:15-17; Ephesians 5:17; Romans 13:14)
In order to break free from a double-mind, we must do our part. Here are some key steps to get you started.
Let’s here some chatter out there!
Have you experienced double-mindedness?
Did you overcome it?
What would you add to help someone who’s battling this issue?
Until next time!
I need prayer and deliverance for this b/c I know this is where I keep falling short. I try my best to stay in faith but then find myself struggling with anger towards God, the same hard circumstances, and feeling like I’m going through the motions of life and then I say thise ipposing the prayers and Declarations I made earlier. Tired of that pattern.
Oh God, look upon Ariel now. Honor her requests, and deliver her from double-mindedness. Provide the help and strength she needs to stand firm in her faith and trust in You. Life on this earth is full of struggles, trials, etc… Many times we do not understand, and continuous hard circumstances can leave openings for the enemy to start talking, tempting us to doubt You and even become angry with You. Help Ariel to see your hand in her life, even in during her struggles. Infuse her heart with her own, mustard seed size faith to cultivate and grow; Your Word let’s us know much can be accomplished with mustard seed sized faith. Open her eyes and allow her to see You ARE there, even in the midst of the hard circumstances. Comfort her heart Oh God. Let Your peace permeate every fiber of her being, and give her joy even in the midst of trials. Help her to grab hold of Your Word and believe it because you said it, whether she understands it or not. Give her the discipline and the determination to believe You unwaveringly. Don’t let the difficulties she is enduring be wasted, but let them bring about lasting change in her life and a faith that is unshakeable. Give her the desire of her heart she has expressed here, and break the pattern of roller coaster faith. Lord, I ask that you grant her relief from these difficult circumstances, and meet every need she has in a manner that brings you glory and sets a firm foundation of faith in her heart. In Jesus Name.Thank you Lord! Amen
God bless you Ariel. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts 🙂
I often find myself going back and forth with God. This article hit the nail on the head. So insightful. Thank you for the powerful scriptures. Blessings to you in the name of Jesus!
Hello Chey,
Thank you for taking time to read and comment on the post. I thank God it was beneficial to you.
God bless you!
Thank you for helping me understand the act of being double-minded
Hello Christy,
Thank you for taking time to read and comment on the post. I am so thankful it was a benefit to you.
God bless you!
I firmly believe that Jesus can heal anyone but I also think something’s are left unhealed at God’s discretion. Genetics are genetics and yes Jesus can and does heal them but I also think He allows it to remain for some. A doubleminded person can also be a person who has a mental-illness.
Hello Monique,
Thanks for taking time to read and comment on the article. I appreciate it!
You offer some valid food for thought. I agree with you. I have had to accept the fact that God is Sovereign, and faith does not override His will. We may not always understand or even like the “why” or “why not” of the situation, but we can stand on the fact that God is ever faithful and knows what’s best; therefore, we can and must be determined to never doubt Him.
Thanks again and God bless you!
Blessings to you dear sister in Christ.
I woke up this morning, feeling completely different—like this is the day something beyond me was going to happen. I was upset, recognizing for far too long a behavior in me and my two daughters. I thought it to be offense but sensed it was something else. Whatever it was I laid before God and cried out to Him refusing to accept the evil I saw trying to bind me and my children. Afterwards I went into the kitchen to make coffee and that’s when I heard “double mindedness.” Immediately I came online to read on it. I found your blog and every scripture placed is what the Lord had been speaking to me. What a delight to see God has been leading and guiding me all along! I was reminded of Acts 12:7 Peter, who was imprisoned and the Angel was sent to free him. The Angel struck Peter on the side telling told him to get up quickly. Peter was being set free! That’s how I woke up this morning. Father was saying get up, your salvation has come! God is good and His mercies endures forever. I am forever grateful and thankful of this encouragement to continue to press pass my own self, into Christ and endure the race set before me in Jesus name!
Blessings to you all who endure!
Thank you for sharing this message of truth, and life. May God bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you always.
Hello Genetta, Isn’t it wonderful when God let’s you know He is with you and leading you all along?
God wants us to make it and, if we allow it, He will do what it takes to lead, guide and encourage us all the way!
I am thankful to God that the post was beneficial to you. It is my prayer that who needs what God gives me to write will see it and be helped and encouraged.
So I truly appreciate your testimony. Thank you so much for reading the post and sharing these encouraging thoughts.
Continue to hold on dear sister. God bless you!
Glad you are back and with a great a powerful message one of which I needed to read. I printed it out so I can read it over and over it was an eye opener for me. God Bless you and thanks so much
Thank you, it’s good to be posting again. I thank God you found the post beneficial!!
I appreciate your taking to read and share your thoughts on the post.
God bless you!!
Dear Juanita, another powerful post here! I really appreciate how you help us go deep beneath the surface and get to the layers underneath. It is so easy to slip into a double-minded faith mindset. I loved your suggestions for moving forward, especially “Train Yourself in the Faith” and “Don’t Forget, Remember Remember Remember! Daily we must pick up our cross and follow Him. But He is worth it all!
Hello Melissa,
I am glad you enjoyed the post. Maintaining faith is work; it takes determination, especially in the times we are living in.Taking up our Cross daily is more than just a nice thing to say. There is much in walking with Christ, but you are right; HE is absolutely worth it all!! Thanks so much for taking time to read the post and share your thoughts. I appreciate it.
God bless you!