Getting Free of Double-Mindedness
In James 1:5-8 it reads, but if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Double-mindedness is like a spiritual schizophrenia that is spiritually rooted in two minds. It is a very common problem today in God's people. It keeps us stuck in cycles and patterns of behavior that will not produce lasting fruit nor breakthrough. One must recognize it and hate it to come out of agreement with it. It will steal the blessings and inheritance the Lord has for you. Spirits of doubt and unbelief open up the door for this death structure to set up and also the generational bloodline curses.
A double-minded person will lack stable faith. They will waver between two opinions. They will be tossed to and fro like the sea in a spiritual storm. They are those that only draw nigh to God with their mouth but their hearts are far from Him. They will live a life of compromise with no conviction. This spirit will keep one in confusion and inner turmoil. There is always a conflict within concerning making decisions.
Double mindedness will produce a backsliding in God's people. The children of Israel were a double minded people. They wavered between two opinions and wondered in the wilderness until that spirit was dealt with. Psalms 26:1 says vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Those that waver and shrink back cannot please God! God also told His people to choose life and you will live. Choosing life requires us to stay free of this spirit.
If you find yourself cracking under pressure and returning to the world, cycling in the old man, or being half hearted and indifferent toward the Lord you need to come out of agreement with a double minded spirit. This spirit will challenge those facing trials in life. It wants you to give into its demands to change your confession of faith. This is why the word says to ask for wisdom while facing various trials. The wisdom of God will bring truth to light so you can come through a storm and not camp out in it. We all must go through trials and tribulations to enter the kingdom of God. Any voice that doesn't teach this truth is a thief and a robber and it will bring deception in your life. Staying in steady faith, with consistent obedience will bring you out. Double mindedness will keep you stuck going around and around the same mountain with no breakthrough in sight. One must become steadfast in their walk with Jesus and the covenant we have with Him to walk in freedom of this spirit.
Hebrews 11:6 says without faith it is impossible to please God and one must believe He is rewards those who seek Him. Double mindedness will cause you to give God lip service instead of heart service which produces the fruit of righteousness. This spirit produces a life of instability. It brings restlessness in ones soul, no consistency in petitions and keeps one unsettled in their intentions. There is no laboring in rest, but a toiling of the soul. It is a mind binding spirit that seeks to steal your inheritance!
Some questions to ask yourself.
Is there a history of backsliding and returning to the world for comfort?
Do you crack under pressure and live in the dictates of the flesh?
Are you a carnal, worldly Christian?
Are you double minded with your walk with Christ depending on circumstances?
Do you struggle with making decisions?
If so, you need to acknowledge it, repent and come out of agreement with double mindedness. Begin to work in the opposite spirit and tear down the strength of this structure in your mind. For many it has been a stronghold for years and will take discipline to break. There will always be a challenge to breakthrough until it is dealt with. It is time for God's people to move forward! Be firm in your confessions and walk out what plans the Lord has given. Don't allow trials to shift you out of your assignment. You will overcome all and prosper as you rid your life of double mindedness. Isaiah 32:2 Says shake yourself from the dust arise O captive Jerusalem, loose yourself from the bonds of your neck O captive daughter!