a double-minded man is unstable in all he does
James 1:8.
Every day we are faced with choices. Sometimes I think we make those choices
harder than they need to be, and drive ourselves crazy. If I am a follower of Christ, I am to …
follow Christ each day in everything. Life comes barreling at us all, decisions have
to be made, and it can be more than overwhelming if we don’t have a “true
north”. God is THE “true north” for
every Christian, every day, and for every choice. His ways are best. He tells us truth will set us free, and He
lays it all out in His Word. Yet, too
often, we take our eyes off Him. We find
ourselves trying to please everyone… and that is no place to live. It will drive us crazy and make us look
stupid. The Bible says a “double-minded man is
unstable in all he does” James 1:8. Not
only are people who try to please everyone viewed as unstable, they are often
disliked. When one spends all his time
trying to please everyone he appears to simply have no true convictions at
all….just think about the approval ratings of most politicians. The Bible goes on to say God Himself is
displeased with those who have “lukewarm” convictions (Rev 3:16).
Simply put-- pick a side.
When decisions come for you or your family – make a God-side choice not
a world-side choice. Don’t be
double-minded and do one thing on Sunday and something entirely different the
rest of the week. Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and
approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Peace can be found when we put our decisions
up to the test of God’s Word and only approve (do) those things that would be
approved by Him—and this means everything—whether that be the movies we watch,
the music we listen to, the way we talk, the business decisions we make, the
clothes we wear and allow our children to wear, etc.
And here is the really cool deal… when we make God-side
choices we are choosing God’s side. Romans 8:31-32 says “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can
be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how
will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” What does this mean… if we choose God’s way
He will take care of us. He will be our
confidence; and we will find ourselves free from the exhausting, fruitless,
impossible task of pleasing the world and trying to please everyone. So choose you this day… in this decision, in
every decision… Who will you serve?
(p.s. there is a right answer).
Prayer: Father, You are right. Your Word
is truth. Teach me your way so
that I may not sin against you. Help me
to follow you every day and in every way ….I don’t want to be double
minded. Thank you for showing my sin –
times I pick the other side. I want your
protection. I want your peace. Help me to know your will and do it and
teach my family the same thing. Amen.
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