Introduction
Most a time, our attention is drawn to attractive distractions and that they divide our attention or shift our focus from Christ Jesus, our Lord. This Newsletter details the need to stay focused on Christ and on our calling.
Being Double-minded
A wandering mind does not succeed because it does not believe in itself and neither does it believe in the works of God. James, in his epistle, writes that:
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways” (Jas 1:5-8 KJV).
This is a trustworthy saying because a person who is unstable in his mind does not complete a task. S/he begins something without having a clear purpose for it and soon upon reaching a halfway through, s/he abandons it and never completes any assignment. They walk around without any clearly defined purpose. Their lives are full of uncertainties and unrealized dreams. Double-minded people are miserable and shipwrecked. They cannot show themselves approved of anything because they are not committed to doing anything to the end.
Similarly, Paul opines that a man cannot war or engage in battle and at the same time entangles himself with the affairs of this life; and please his or her master (2Ti 2:4). For believers to be approved by God. They should show commitment and dedication to duty. Our hearts must settle down on what we lay our hand on.
Both statements made by Paul and James are an affirmation of the teachings of Jesus Christ. He states clearly that “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Mat 6:24). A person cannot serve two masters and please both because s/he would have a divided mind.
Conclusion
Double-mindedness would rob people of their blessings because they do not have a strong will to accomplish what they start doing. Believers must surrender their lives fully to Jesus and commit themselves to Him. A heart that is not committed to starting and finishing a program or assignment would not achieve anything good from the Lord. It is either we stand to the end or we quit. The choice is ours.
Prayer: Lord God Almighty, one thing we request of you is to help us to trust you more so that we shall live to please you at all times. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!