The Danger of Being Double-Minded (A Faith That Works)

When the Bible warns us about something, it behooves us to pay attention, and if we do not,

we usually suffer the consequences. And one of the things it warns us about—spiritual indecisiveness—brings with it severe repercussions. 

Let’s reflect on this together for a moment. Most of us have faced a moment when we weren’t sure what to do. Maybe it was a relationship decision. A career change. A family crisis. We paused, prayed, and waited for wisdom to drop from the sky. But often, if we’re honest, sometimes our indecision is less about seeking wisdom, and more about trying to delay obedience.  

And it’s that kind of indecisiveness (“Am I going to obey God, or not?) that’s the heart of the Bible’s warning: “The one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind” (Jas. 1:6). It’s not talking about honest questions. It’s talking about spiritual indecision, about being torn between trusting God and holding on to the world. 

Spiritual indecisiveness is one of the quietest dangers in the Christian life. But it can do serious damage. 

What Is a Double-Minded Person? 

James uses a strong phrase to describe this condition: “double-minded” (Jas. 1:8). In Greek, the word literally means “two-souled.” It pictures someone whose loyalties are divided. A double-minded person has one foot in faith, and the other foot in fear. One hand reaching for God, the other clinging to self. 

This kind of spiritual instability leads to confusion, inconsistency, and all manner of trouble. The double-minded person wants God’s blessing but not His authority. He or she wants peace without surrender, wisdom without obedience. 

In this type of situation, it’s not that God is unwilling to guide. It’s that we’re unwilling to follow. 

The Connection to Spiritual Fitness 

What is the connection between spiritual decisiveness and spiritual fitness. Just like physical fitness requires commitment, spiritual fitness demands focus. You can’t grow stronger by hopping on and off the treadmill. You can’t build muscle by lifting weights once a month. You can’t lose weight by walking two miles, then coming home and double-fisting two ham salad sandwiches and a Snickers bar. 

In the same way, you can’t deepen your relationship with God while maintaining a casual, inconsistent approach to your faith. Spiritual fitness takes repetition. It takes endurance. It takes an undivided heart. 

Which is exactly why James tells us to “ask in faith, with no doubting” (Jas. 1:6). Not because God is harsh with those who struggle—but because faith and doubt pull in opposite directions. You can’t move forward if you’re constantly being pulled apart. 

Faith That Moves 

So, to be clear, double-mindedness isn’t about intellectual doubt. The Bible welcomes honest questions. Abraham asked God how His promises would come true. Job poured out his confusion. Even Jesus cried out, “Why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46). 

God is not threatened by our questions. But He does call us to decide—to trust Him with our whole heart, even when we don’t have the whole picture. 

That’s what faith is. It’s not knowing everything. It’s believing enough to take the next step. 

The person who is truly growing in faith doesn’t wait until they feel confident. They obey while they’re still uncertain. They move even when their knees shake. 

Examples in Scripture 

Consider the example of Peter, who walked on water… until he didn’t. One moment, his eyes were fixed on Jesus. The next, he saw the waves and started to sink (Matt. 14:28–30). That’s a snapshot of double-mindedness. A heart pulled in two directions. 

Elijah, after calling down fire from heaven, ran for his life in fear. Jonah, called by God, ran the other way. Even Paul confessed that he sometimes did the very things he didn’t want to do (Rom. 7:19). 

The point isn’t to shame ourselves for the struggle. The point is to recognize it—and choose a better path. 

A Heart Made Whole 

So how do we move from double-mindedness to decisive faith? In James’ words, “draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (Jas. 4:8). The cure is nearness to God. Repentance. Honesty. Surrender. 

God doesn’t expect perfection. But He does desire our full allegiance. He wants hearts that aren’t split between self and Spirit. In other words, He wants us whole. 

Take the Next Step 

Are you stuck in your faith, tossed by the waves of indecision? If so, maybe it’s time to ask: Am I double-minded? 

Are there places in your life where you’re hesitating to trust God? Are you asking Him for wisdom but ignoring what He’s already said in His Word? Are you waiting for a lightning bolt when He’s already given you a lantern? If so, don’t let fear or comfort keep you from obedience. Let today be the day you decide. 

Ask in faith. Walk in trust. Build spiritual fitness by trusting God, one step at a time.