The Danger of Being Double-Minded

 

By Andrea Merrell

 

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 6:1-8

 

It was hard to listen. Her conversation changed drastically depending on the listeners. She became the perfect little chameleon, blending in with the crowd and saying whatever she thought they wanted to hear, especially when it came to the Bible and her faith.

No one knew what she really believed or where she stood on certain subjects. Was she confused? Undecided? Some labeled her as having spiritual schizophrenia. It came as no surprise that her life was a mess and most of her prayers unanswered.

Webster’s describes double-minded as being hypocritical and insincere. The Bible calls it unstable and tells us not to expect to receive anything from God when we don’t ask in faith. The Message puts it this way: “People who ‘worry their prayers’ are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way."

Have you ever heard someone “worry their prayers”? It’s much like the old adage of talking out of both sides of your mouth. First, they are full of faith. Then they negate everything they just prayed by being negative. The Bible tells us that it is impossible to please God without faith and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

When the words of our mouth and the thoughts and intents of our heart line up with God’s Word, we can pray in faith, believing that God will do what He says He will do.

Don’t be double-minded. Be intentional with your faith.

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