SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1126

“Double Minded”

…the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind… he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. – James 1:6-8

The definition of double-minded is to be wavering in mind: Undecided and vacillating. Being double-minded is marked by hypocrisy and insincerity. It is like the Dr. Dolittle Pushmi-Pullyu character trying to go in two directions at the same time.

Have you wished someone a ‘Merry Christmas!’ in response to their trite ‘ happy holidays’ only to have them look up in surprise and respond: ‘Oh, yes, Merry Christmas.’ It’s almost as if you can see their thought process that they can come out of hiding and it is safe and OK to say ‘Merry Christmas’. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” – Matthew 11:6

Christian business owners have to choose between offending some people and being all inclusive during this busiest shopping season. In the pursuit of maximum revenue Happy Holidays, Xmas, and Santa Claus become safe substitutes for Jesus Christ, the real reason for the season. Is there doubt that the Lord is their provider for their business? Such doubt is being double-minded.

 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. – Matthew 6:24

In our recent election, professing Christians voted for candidates that proudly support killing our babies by abortion. They bow down to the Lord on Sunday and then swear allegiance to Milcom, another name for Moloch the pagan god associated with child sacrifice. This is double-minded hypocrisy. “I will stretch out my hand against …those who bow down on the roofs to the host of the heavens, those who bow down and swear to the Lord and yet swear by Milcom – Zephaniah 1:4-5

‘Tis the season when everyone makes nice to each other. Yet some harbor hate, prejudice, unforgiveness and bitterness in their heart. This has no place in a professing Christian’s character.

Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart; – Psalm 12:2– Proverbs 26:24-25

‘It’s the thought that counts’ is a popular phrase with respect to gift-giving and receiving during the Christmas Holiday. Our behavior that defines our character stems from our thoughts. Double-minded thinking will drive insincere behavior. As we think, so we are. For as he thinks in his heart, so is he – Proverbs 23:7 (King James 2000)

Examine your heart and repent of the times when you have been double-minded. He is faithful to forgive and restore you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. – James 4:8

We proclaim ‘Peace on earth…’ during the Christmas season. It is the Lord’s peace that will keep us from being double-minded. …And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

May the peace of Christ fill your heart and mind.

Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!