"A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." —James 1:8
In its context, this terse verse has to do with the prayer for wisdom enjoined upon the believer in v. 5-6. When James says "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering," he is, really defining faith as unwavering confidence in God's character and power to fulfill a legitimate request. That is not faith which is ambivalent and "wavering."
There is in this text, however, a principle of broader application. It is a judgment upon that profession of faith which emerges as halfhearted commitment to Christ which divides its loyalty between the Lord and the world. The condition is rampant in the churches and explains many of the problems we have to deal with, especially the problem of "believers" who are in and out of church, running from church to church looking for self gratification, and dropping out of church altogether. It is also the explanation for so many of the sins which mar the testimony of professing Christians and cause the name of God to be blasphemed among the unconverted (cf. Rom. 1:21-24a). Half hearted Christianity is unstable and woefully unpredictable. It is not biblical Christianity, and is not the fruit Christ died to produce.
Consider the declaration of the prophet Hanani in II Chronicles: "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him [II Chron. 16:9, my italics]." And the savior said, No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon [Matt. 6:24]." Those who try to "make the best of both worlds," have missed the true nature of Christian experience.
In contrast meditate on the commitment of the Psalmist, just for example. "With my whole heart have I sought thee… [Ps. 119:10]." He sought the Lord with singleness of heart and mind. "Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart [Ps. 119:33-34]." He was committed to whole hearted obedience. And, "I will praise thee with my whole heart… [Ps. 138:1]." He was addicted to whole hearted praise. Every New Testament believer ought to be able to pray, by virtue of God's grace, as did Hezekiah, "Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. [Isa. 38:3]." And if in the battle we have tasted defeat, then ought our prayer to be, "Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name [Ps. 86:11]."
If we would avoid the instability of the "double minded man," our position must be that of the apostle who declared, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world [Gal. 6:14]." Scripture leaves no room for compromise between the Savior and the world. Neither should we.
"Pastor" Frasier
In its context, this terse verse has to do with the prayer for wisdom enjoined upon the believer in v. 5-6. When James says "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering," he is, really defining faith as unwavering confidence in God's character and power to fulfill a legitimate request. That is not faith which is ambivalent and "wavering."
There is in this text, however, a principle of broader application. It is a judgment upon that profession of faith which emerges as halfhearted commitment to Christ which divides its loyalty between the Lord and the world. The condition is rampant in the churches and explains many of the problems we have to deal with, especially the problem of "believers" who are in and out of church, running from church to church looking for self gratification, and dropping out of church altogether. It is also the explanation for so many of the sins which mar the testimony of professing Christians and cause the name of God to be blasphemed among the unconverted (cf. Rom. 1:21-24a). Half hearted Christianity is unstable and woefully unpredictable. It is not biblical Christianity, and is not the fruit Christ died to produce.
Consider the declaration of the prophet Hanani in II Chronicles: "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him [II Chron. 16:9, my italics]." And the savior said, No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon [Matt. 6:24]." Those who try to "make the best of both worlds," have missed the true nature of Christian experience.
In contrast meditate on the commitment of the Psalmist, just for example. "With my whole heart have I sought thee… [Ps. 119:10]." He sought the Lord with singleness of heart and mind. "Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart [Ps. 119:33-34]." He was committed to whole hearted obedience. And, "I will praise thee with my whole heart… [Ps. 138:1]." He was addicted to whole hearted praise. Every New Testament believer ought to be able to pray, by virtue of God's grace, as did Hezekiah, "Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. [Isa. 38:3]." And if in the battle we have tasted defeat, then ought our prayer to be, "Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name [Ps. 86:11]."
If we would avoid the instability of the "double minded man," our position must be that of the apostle who declared, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world [Gal. 6:14]." Scripture leaves no room for compromise between the Savior and the world. Neither should we.
"Take the world, but give me Jesus, all its joys are but a name;For our good,
But His love abideth ever, Through eternal years the same
Take the world, but give me Jesus, Sweetest comfort of my soul;
With my Savior watching o'er me, I can sing though billows roll.
Take the world, but give me Jesus, Let me view His constant smile;
Then throughout my pilgrim journey, Light will cheer me all the while.
Take the world, but give me Jesus, In His cross my trust shall be;
Till, with clearer, brighter vision, Face to face my Lord I see .
chorus
Oh, the height and depth of mercy! Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fulness of redemption, Pledge of endless life above!"
—Fanny Crosby
"Pastor" Frasier
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