Pick a side... it is easier!

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.