Bible Word of the Day
Double-Minded (Dipsychos, Double-Souled)
Meaning
Double mindedness is a term referring to being torn between two worlds or two ways of living. The Bible refers to it as having two natures and more importantly to being half-hearted in our commitment to Christ. To understand its meaning completely we have to understand we live in a dark world. A world controlled by the one the Apostle Paul calls, “the prince of the power of the air” who is Satan. And when people ask why do bad things happen, this is in part why. The Bible also tells us that because of this fact the world as a whole is at enmity against God. This means that the world as a whole works against the true and living God of the Bible.
Therefore, when the Bible uses the word “double-minded” it is referring to those individuals who claim to be followers of Christ, but live as the world lives. Those individuals who claim to be Christian, yet do not care for the Bible, do not care for the things of God and have no love for the Lord. Instead, their desire to live as the world lives, ignoring the things of God. These are the ones the Bible refers to as being double-minded. And James the brother of Jesus tells us, that those who live like this, need to reexamine their faith. Because they are fooling themselves regarding their salvation.
Those who have double-minded behavior create spiritual chaos in their lives. This is because double-mindedness creates a spiritual warfare as their spirit, along with the spirit of the world fights against the Holy Spirit for God’s influence in their lives. Therefore, what’s most important to remember regarding the topic of double mindedness. Is that there is no neutral position in regards to God. Every human being who has ever lived, and will ever live is either for God or against God. There is no neutral ground, there is no in-between with God. We are either followers of Christ or the enemies of God.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (Book of James 1:5-8)
“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (Book of James 4:6-8)