Based on what James 1 warns its readers to avoid, a double-minded person is someone who fluctuates in their loyalty to Christ. Their belief in whether or not He existed may not shift back and forth, but their commitment to following Him changes, sometimes following other gods instead. It is safe to assume that this conflict will create many issues in the double-minded person’s life, from increased doubts to struggles with sin.

According to James 4:7, we are to submit to God and draw near to Him. Of course, part of this requires being discerning. As a Christian, it’s good to be an investigator and to consider what we truly believe. We don’t have to take other people’s word on everything. However, we find our full identity in our relationship with God. We will have struggles and doubts. However, we find our final resting place in His care. We need to continuously pray and seek a closer relationship with God so that He can give us more discernment about some of our questions.

Erick Bouwmeester