DOUBLE MINDED?

“A person who has doubts is thinking about two different things at the same time and can’t make up his mind about anything.” James 1:8

My father died when I was six years old. I grew up with a matriarch whom I watch very attentively; I was always around her, being the youngest of nine siblings. I watched what momma did, how she did it, but I did not always understand was why she did certain things. Even more, what I really noticed about her was that she had a quiet spirit and an unique consistency about herself. I was so grateful that she did not waiver or change as this brought stability to my life. But, one year I saw an inconsistency in her when she had became very ill and I was so frightened. The sight of mom not being mom tore my little heart into pieces. I felt was so lost, I wanted to know where the person whom I watched that never changed; where was that strong woman that I looked at day by day who was always there with the necessities and the special treats. The one who kept all things afloat when daddy died. That one who kept the household running smoothly (her and God)! Yes, momma was a serious praying mother, a mother that kept the Word of God by her side, day, and night. I thank God, that momma eventually got better and continued to be the rock that I looked up to.

But, for the life of me, I do not know where I went wrong! My brain just went way out left field. I grew into this undecisive, double-minded person. I knew this behavior did not come from momma. I tell you the truth, inconsistency was a very ugly lifestyle to live. I found it so hard to make decisions, I found myself in predicaments where I had to make quick choices (which in most cases were not good decisions). Because of the inconsistency that I had been living with in my young adult life, I always had plans B and C ready at any given time. These other agenda’s I had during those years cause many unnecessary problems for me and those around me.

During those dark times in my life, I was into horoscopes (astrological signs) and if you know anything about the horoscope, I would have been considered a Taurus/Gemini (two faced) based on what they said the definition of that sign was. I would be back and forth on situations, and would find it so hard to make up me mind about the simplest things. It was one of the worst seasons in my life. I knew I needed to be delivered from this double mindedness.

Now, these things were going on within me when I was in my early Christian years. Yes, I considered myself a Christian during this time, but I was not living a Christian lifestyle at all. Yes, I would read the bible from time to time, go to church too. But I was not studying the bible. But, when I decided I was sick and tired of this behavior and wanted to live right, I started reading and studied the book of James. Chapter 1 verses 6-8 talked about double mindedness. I started learning and understanding I was practicing witchcraft (astrology) according to Deuteronomy 18:10-14. Only then did I become aware of my sin and wanted to be set totally free. I continually brought my petition before God and was delivered from my belief in horoscopes and other things I was twisted up in. However, I still struggled with indecisiveness. That indecisiveness was one stronghold on me that needed more prayer and more seeking God. I had to basically make up in my mind that I did not want to live a wavering life. Even more, when I read Revelation 3:14-22 about the Lukewarm church, which had become distasteful and repugnant in God’s eyes because they did not stand for anything, I just found myself in that scripture and I knew if I did not change, I was going to go to Hell if Jesus didn’t save me from myself, as this was not where I want to spend eternity! Thank God I was delivered and set free.

The Word of God is so full of wisdom and clarity on how to have a joyful, pure, and holy life. God’s Word speaks clearly on what He does and does not want from His children. We can live a holy and peaceful life if we chose to live the example that Christ has set before us.

Below are some references on how God feels about doublemindedness. If you are experiencing these strongholds in your life today, repent and ask God to help you stay far away from that mentality. Do not wait another day. This is your day for deliverance!

Psalm 119:113 The double-minded I despise, but Your law I love.

James 1:7 That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

James 4:8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

2 Peter 2:14 Their eyes are full of adultery; their desire for sin is never satisfied; they seduce the unstable. They are accursed children with hearts trained in greed

1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

2 Kings 17:33,41 They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence…

Love,

Sister, Linda Fay Brown – FOR HIS GLORY (FHG)