Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have two heads, thus having two minds? For most women that could be a rather disconcerting thought. I often have a difficult time making up my one mind, much less two! For most of us, I doubt we’d be as cheery as the two-headed woman pictured here.
Sometimes I have no problem making a firm decision and sticking with it. Yet, there are the harder choices such as which restaurant to pick when your husband decides to take you out, or which shirt looks best with these jeans. Then, there is the ultimate daily “What shall I cook for dinner tonight?” dilemma!
All jokes aside, we have much to learn from James’ warning in the Scripture text for today. The Amplified Bible portrays the doubter as having two minds. Other translations use descriptions like double-minded man, unstable, divided loyalty between God and the world, two-souled, indecisive, and two ways of thinking at the same time.
I saw a good illustration of the double-minded mentality on a Bonanza episode recently. The show centered on a man and his wife who had fallen on hard times and were struggling to keep their ranch. The man, wanting to provide nice things for his wife and son, had collaborated with some outlaws so he could have more money for his family. No one, his wife, friends, or even the Cartwrights’, suspected such behavior. When the truth came out, his poor choices created chaos, distrust, and great conflict for all involved. He certainly had not prayed for wisdom regarding the circumstances in his life.
O Father, we don’t want to waver in our faith and be unstable in all our ways. As the apostles of old, we plead for You to increase our faith!
[Digging deeper – Matthew 6:24; Luke 17:5-6; James 4:8]
Stay tuned for Part 4 Wanted: Wisdom – Get It? Got It. Good!
Striving for wise single-mindedness,
Beverly <><
Photo Credit: Image courtesy of: http://freemybrain.com/wpcontent/uploads/2009/04/two_headed.jpg
As a petite, skinny, freckled-face girl of eight or nine, our family travelled to St. Simon’s Island, GA, for vacation one summer. Playing in the ocean with my siblings, floating on inner tubes, and riding the waves brought much pleasure. But there was one day the sea was rougher than usual due to strong winds. I can remember attempting to paddle out on my float when suddenly the churning surf capsized and tumbled me relentlessly with its power. Not knowing if I was right side up or upside down, I eventually surfaced sputtering and spewing salty water that had gone up my nose. With eyes stinging and bathing suit full of sand, I fought to maintain my footing against the waves. My little frame, working hard to get back to shore, plunged forward with the waves only to succumb to the backward pull of the current. Finally, with great determination (and fear for my life), I made it to the shore, decided to call it quits, and promptly headed for the calmer waters of the hotel pool!
Since joining the Navy in 2001, my husband and I have moved 7 times. Each move involves more decisions than I care to recall. Decisions such as: Do we buy or rent? What area is the best and safest for our needs? How close is it to the base? Is it within our budget? Is it big enough? Too big? How much yard upkeep is required? Are there good churches in the area?