Double-mindedness is a real problem in our society from which Jesus can heal and deliver. The spirit of double-mindedness is mentioned in James 1:8: “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
The majority of double-minded people manage to function in life and have some successes, yet they still have the characteristics of a spirit of schizophrenia. This causes them to be constantly unstable in every area, never having any peace about who they are or what they can or have to accomplish. I believe I have been given a passion to teach on this subject and see people set free.
Diabolical Nature of Double-Mindedness
The double-minded man has problems making decisions and sticking with them. Due to his instability, he is always changing his mind concerning relationships, careers, ministries and churches.
Double-mindedness is the polar opposite of stability, which means firmly established or not likely to change. How many can say that they fit this description in their personality and makeup?
God did not create us to be unstable people. He created us in His image. God is not unstable. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. God is dependable and consistent. He wants us to be the same (1 Cor. 15:58). We should not be up and down like a yo-yo.
The desire and plan of the enemy is to cause unbelief, doubt, questioning, reasoning, wavering and confusion to rule your life. Demons will come to attack you because the devil knows that without faith it is impossible to please God. Without faith, you are unable to receive from God and others, and you will constantly strive to fulfill these voids selfishly and through immediate gratification.
If you lack stable faith, you become double-minded—two opinions, two wars working inside you.
This is why in James 4:8 we learn that those who are double-minded need their hearts purified: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
How Double-Mindedness Gets In
Two main strongholds make up the double-minded personality—rejection and rebellion—with the root of bitterness coming in secondarily. They interact like a threefold cord and are not easily broken.
Rejection is the doorway to double-mindedness. Demons associated with rejection make it almost impossible for a person to develop into the true person God created them to be. They become rebellious to protect themselves from hurt and being taken advantage of. As we have already begun to discuss, double-mindedness is common to us all.
We live in a world of instability. Deliverance and developing a godly identity are the solutions to this growing problem.
Become a Psalm 112 Believer
Psalm 112 gives a picture of the stable, single-minded, steadfast man. It is the exact opposite of the double-minded, wavering man from James 1:8. The man who fears the Lord is gracious, full of compassion and generous in lending. He is uncompromisingly and consistently righteous.
Becoming like the man of Psalm 112 should be our goal. This man is a type of Christ, and the characteristics or traits that this passage reveals cannot be achieved except in Christ.
The truth is our lives are direct results of what is in our hearts. If our lives are messed up, it is usually because our hearts are messed up. The Bible says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23). The more I’ve studied double-mindedness, the more I realize it is not only about indecision and inconsistency; it is also something that is characteristic of the wicked. In the two places the letter of James talks about double-mindedness, the writer applies this word to someone who has something impure in his heart.
Let the Spirit Lead You
Many people want the blessing of Psalm 112. They want wealth and riches. They want prosperity. But they don’t want to do what it takes to have their hearts purified so that they can first prosper on the inside. My prayer is: “Lord, do I line up with the Psalm 112 man?” I cannot say I’ve arrived, but I am closer than I was a few years ago. I’m growing.
Recognize this is not something you do in your own strength. It comes by the grace of God and through deliverance. God stabilizes you. He fills you with the Holy Spirit. But when He does show you any inconsistency in your life, you need to deal with it. Don’t ignore it.
Refuse to be a double-minded person. You have access to God’s power, grace and deliverance. Exercise your faith. No matter what life throws your way, you can overcome it all and become a stable, unshakeable and established believer through Christ.
John Eckhardt is overseer of Crusaders Ministries in Chicago. With a strong apostolic call, he has ministered throughout the United States and in more than 80 nations. He is a sought-after international conference speaker, produces a weekly television program, Perfecting the Saints, and has written more than 20 books, including Prayers That Rout Demons, Prayers That Break Curses and Unshakeable: Dismantle Satan’s Plan to Destroy Your Foundation. Eckhardt resides in the Chicago area with his wife, Wanda, and their five children.
For more study…
If you want to learn warfare to defeat double-mindedness, Apostle John Eckhardt can teach you in his latest book, Unshakeable: Dismantle Satan’s Plan to Destroy Your Foundation (Charisma House). You can find it wherever Christian books are sold or at amazon.com or christianbook.com.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.