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Answer
The term double-minded originates from the Greek word dipsuchos, which means “a person with two minds or souls.” It is noteworthy that this term is found exclusively in the book of James (James 1:8;James 4:8). Bible scholars suggest that James may have coined this term. To fully understand its meaning, it is essential to consider its context.
James describes the doubter as “like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That individual should not expect to receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded person, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:6-8). A doubter is essentially a double-minded individual. Jesus was referring to such a person when He mentioned the impossibility of serving two masters « 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. », (Matthew 6:24). Consequently, he is considered “unstable,” a term derived from a Greek word that signifies “unsteady, wavering, in both his character and feelings.”
A double-minded individual is in a state of restlessness and confusion in his thoughts, actions, and behavior. Such a person is in constant conflict with himself. One who is torn by such internal conflict cannot fully rely on God and His promises. Similarly, the term unstable can be likened to a drunken person unable to walk in a straight line, swaying back and forth. This individual lacks a clear direction and consequently fails to make progress. Such a p
A person is “unstable in all he does.”
Those who are double-minded do not have the faith spoken of in Hebrews 11:1, 3: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. . . . By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” We cannot be both “certain” and doubting, as is the double-minded person. One part of his mind is sure of something, while the other part doubts. It brings to mind the “pushmi-pullyu” of the Dr. Doolittle stories, an animal with a head at either end of its body and which was constantly trying to walk in two directions at once. Such is the double-minded man.
Jesus declared, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” « 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. », (Matthew 6:24). God and the things of this world are of such opposite natures that it is impossible to love either one completely without hating the other. Those who try to love both will become unstable in all their ways. If someone struggles with being double-minded, he or she should read, study, and memorize the Word, for it is the Word of God that produces faith «So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. », (Romans 10:17). And he or she should pray for faith. God freely gives what is good to those who ask Him (Luke 11:9-12), and it’s good to ask for an increase of faith (Luke 17:5;Mark 9:24).
