The Spiritual Root of Double-Mindedness – How to Stop It and Start Living Boldly in Faith
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What does it mean to be double-minded, and what is the spiritual root of double-mindedness? Understanding this spiritual root and knowing how to stop it in its tracks can help you live without fear and stand firmly rooted in the Word!
But this begins with really facing what causes this to happen in your life and faith! What makes a person double-minded, and what does the Bible say about it? You might be surprised by what it could mean in your own life!
Read on to learn more about it and how to live boldly in your faith!
And be sure to grab you FREE ‘Pathway to Discernment’ 30 Day Devotional with Calendar and Prayer Cards at the end of this post!
Learning the Spiritual Root of Double-Mindedness: First, Define It
I was reading a verse in the Book of James about being double-minded that really hit home with me. It was this verse:
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
JAMES 4:8 NASB
The phrase “double-minded” comes from the Greek word dipsychos, and it means uncertain, doubting, or divided in interest.
Divided in interest.
Yeah, that hit me pretty hard, I’ll be honest. I had to face some truths about myself right here.
To expand on this, 1 Kings 18:21 shows Elijah challenging the Israelites:
“Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If Adonai is God, follow Him; ”
tlv
The Hebrew is:
- פְּסַחְתֶּם עַל שְׁתֵּי הַסְּעִפִּים (pesachtem al shtei hase’ipim).
Here’s a breakdown:
- פְּסַחְתֶּם (pesachtem) means “waver” or “limp.”
- שְׁתֵּי (shtei) means “two.”
- הַסְּעִפִּים (hase’ipim) refers to “opinions” or “branches,” implying a divided or double-minded position.
Elijah is asking the people how long they will “limp” between two differing choices—between following God or Baal.
The word for “opinions” here also carries the imagery of branches, which further highlights the divided nature of their loyalties.
This highlights that the spiritual root of double-mindedness lies in divided loyalty, something God’s people have faced for generations.
Being Double-Minded on Social Media
Have you ever posted something on Facebook and set the permissions so only certain people can see it?
Guilty! I’ve done that many times, and sometimes it’s for good reasons. Sometimes it is just something personal that I only want to share with family or certain friends.
But that wasn’t what bothered me.
What bothered me were the posts I set permissions on because I feared judgment from different groups of people.
Maybe I hid something faith-related because I didn’t want to be labeled by those who don’t understand Jesus or my beliefs. Or I’d share a joke but hide it from Christian friends out of fear that they’d judge me for my sense of humor.
Then I realized my interests were divided—just like the verse says!
Matthew 6:24 explains this so clearly:
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.”
NASB
Fear of Being Judged by Others
Basically, the spiritual root of double-mindedness for me was fear.
I was fearing the judgment of people, so I compromised. I portrayed one “me” to one group and another “me” to the other. The funny thing is that neither version of me was bad or wrong! I was just afraid of people’s perceptions.
But then I read Jeremiah 18:3-6, where God is compared to a potter, and I realized that just as a potter reshapes clay, God can reshape our divided hearts. He can restore us when we submit to Him.
In Jeremiah 2:13, we’re warned about broken cisterns—representing things that can’t hold water. Double-mindedness is like a broken cistern that can’t hold spiritual truth because it’s cracked by fear and divided loyalty.
The Consequences of Double-Mindedness
Double-mindedness has both spiritual and practical consequences that affect our lives:
- Spiritual Consequences: James 1:6-8 tells us that a double-minded person is unstable in all their ways. This instability can hinder our prayers and spiritual growth because God calls us to a life of wholehearted devotion.
- Emotional and Practical Consequences: Living a divided life leads to inner conflict, anxiety, and confusion. You may find it harder to make decisions, and your relationships with others may suffer as well. When we try to please both God and people, we end up pleasing neither and create tension in our own hearts.
Biblical Examples of Double-Mindedness
The Bible gives us several examples of people who struggled with double-mindedness:
- Lot’s wife (Genesis 19:26): She looked back at Sodom, symbolizing a heart torn between the world she was leaving and the safety God was providing.
- King Saul (1 Samuel 13 & 15): Saul repeatedly disobeyed God’s commands because he feared the people more than he trusted God, leading to his downfall as king.
- Peter (Matthew 14:30): When Peter walked on water toward Yeshua, he doubted and began to sink. His moment of doubt shows how easily fear can lead to double-mindedness and instability.
These stories show how divided loyalty and doubt prevent us from fully experiencing the blessings and peace that come from trusting God wholeheartedly.
Getting to the Spiritual Root of Double-Mindedness Requires Trust
It really all came down to a lack of trust.
I didn’t trust my Christian friends with my full, authentic self, and I didn’t trust my non-Christian friends with my faith. So, I lived like I had two personalities, never letting anyone see the whole me.
The spiritual root of double-mindedness is fear, lack of trust, and comparison, all planted by the enemy to prevent us from living boldly in faith.
But James 4:7-10 shows us the way out:
“Therefore submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
tlv
Submission to God is the first step to overcoming double-mindedness, and it involves daily repentance and realignment with Him.
Developing Spiritual Discernment
Overcoming double-mindedness requires developing spiritual discernment so you can clearly see God’s will and avoid being torn between different desires.
Here are some ways to cultivate discernment:
- Prayer and Reflection: Seek God’s guidance before making decisions. Consistently ask Him to reveal His will in all areas of your life.
- Studying the Word: Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, the clearer our direction becomes.
- Seeking Wise Counsel: Surround yourself with godly mentors who can provide wisdom and help you discern God’s voice from the noise of the world.
If you’re seeking to develop discernment, don’t forget to download your free Pathway to Discernment 30-Day Devotional, complete with a calendar and prayer cards! You’ll find it below at the end of the post!
How to Overcome Double-Mindedness
Here are some practical steps to overcome double-mindedness and live boldly:
- Daily Repentance: Repentance is not just a one-time event; it’s a daily process of turning back to God and refocusing on His will.
- Single-Minded Focus: Develop this focus by immersing yourself in prayer and scripture, as Yeshua did when facing temptation (Matthew 4). He remained steadfast because He was grounded in the Word.
- Seek God’s Approval: As James 1:6-8 teaches, a double-minded person is unstable. Ask yourself—am I living to please people or God? Stability comes from seeking His approval above all else.
The Role of Faith in Combating Double-Mindedness
Faith is the key to overcoming double-mindedness. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith in God anchors us and keeps us from being tossed around by doubt.
In Mark 9:23-24, a father struggling with doubt asks Yeshua for healing and says, “I believe; help my unbelief!” This shows us that doubt and faith can coexist, but faith ultimately triumphs when we choose to trust God more than our fears.
Strengthening your faith through prayer, fasting, and community helps you stand firm in your convictions and avoid wavering.
How to Maintain Consistency in Faith
Staying consistent in your walk with God is essential to overcoming double-mindedness. Here are some ways to maintain that consistency:
- Daily Devotion and Quiet Time: Spend regular, uninterrupted time with God each day to deepen your relationship with Him.
- Accountability: Partner with a trusted friend or mentor to keep each other accountable in your spiritual walk.
- Regular Self-Examination: Routinely examine your heart for areas where you might be compromising. This helps keep you focused and aligned with God’s will.
The Emotional Toll of Double-Mindedness
Living with divided interests can cause anxiety, confusion, and fear. James 1:8 describes this instability:
“he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
tlv
This mental and spiritual instability can be draining and lead to what I’d call soul tension—a state where your soul is torn between two worlds.
But God offers clarity when we choose to live with single-hearted devotion. Matthew 6:24 says you cannot serve two masters. Choosing to serve God alone lifts the burden of instability and brings peace.
Live Boldly in Faith
So, how can I go to God and ask for anything if I’m divided in my interests? If I’m blown and tossed by the winds of people’s opinions, how can I expect God to trust me with what I’m praying for?
I decided to live boldly.
Boldly in my faith and yes, boldly in my humor! I decided to be the authentic me! What God thinks of me and who He made me to be is far more important than what others think.
If I don’t feel comfortable sharing a post with my Christian friends, maybe I shouldn’t be posting it!
And if I’m hesitant about posting something for non-Christian friends, I need to re-examine whether I’m trying to please God or man.
Take a young professional who’s hesitant to express their faith in the workplace for fear of judgment. Or a college student who feels pressured to conform with the most popular opinions or trends on social media. These are modern expressions of double-mindedness. Living boldly means being the same person in every environment, grounded in faith, and unafraid of others’ opinions.
My Final Thoughts on the Spiritual Root of Double-Mindedness
So as we have seen, overcoming double-mindedness starts by focusing on God’s opinion, not the opinions of others. Jeremiah 18:6 reminds us that God, like a potter, can reshape our divided hearts if we submit fully to Him.
James 1:12 offers the promise of reward for those who remain steadfast:
“Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love Him.”
tlv
If you’ve ever experienced fear of judgment or a divided heart, comment below and share how you’ve stepped out boldly in your faith!
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of your life do you feel torn between pleasing God and pleasing others? How can you take steps to focus more on God’s will?
- How does fear of judgment from others influence your decisions?
- What does it mean to trust God more than people?
- When have you felt spiritually unstable or divided in your faith? What actions can you take to become more grounded in your walk with God?
- Are there any behaviors or thoughts in your life that reflect a “double-minded” attitude? How can you submit these to God in prayer and repentance?
- What does it mean to live boldly in your faith?
- How can you practice being more authentic and wholehearted in your relationship with God?
- How does the concept of God as the potter in Jeremiah 18:3-6 resonate with your life? What areas of your heart need reshaping?
- Reflect on a time when you felt conflicted about sharing your faith. How did you handle it, and what can you learn from that experience?
- What practical steps can you take this week to develop a single-minded focus on God’s Word and His calling in your life?
Don’t forget to download your free Pathway to Discernment 30-Day Devotional, complete with a calendar and prayer cards!
NASB – “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation“
Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.
Wow… Bea’s comment has left me in awe. Made me almost gasp because to just even speak of the pain and releasing being honest of the just those things she has gone through. I remember Gid saying in book of 1 John that Jesus blood cleanses me from all sin as I confess and come into His light / truth. It is ok to come to Father God and be honest about what happened. Learning to exchange my thoughts for those that are better, purer, good, holy, right is definitely a daily walk. It’s not a one time adjustment or alignment. I have been so double minded all my life always performing to just to be accepted because of severe rejection and abuse as a child. Emotions at times takes control. But Jesus did not come to find fault or condemn but to set free even in those places of pain, fear, shame, guilt that leads to double mindedness. Identity was not foundational where I was to put my trust and in who I was to trust. Living in two worlds is confusing and when trying to figure out with a child mind with no adult supervision or those who care, yep… you trust no one but at same time longing to be included or apart. Chains in the mind and bondage… in spirit, soul, and body (sickness). But thank you Jesus He is the Hope!!! He gives the faith to believe. And God is the one who puts us in Christ which no one can take out of His hands. I think it’s in Philippians God says He is the one that does the works in us to will and to do so we can act. What he started in His calling us to Himself… He is strongest enough to finish. For His Grace… empowering presence His holy influence on our hearts cries out to Him… Father!!!! And this is the place I am right now. Thank you fir all of your sharings. It’s in the sharing of the power of God that the body of Jesus grows to together. Loving 🥰 this new journey of knowing Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit. Jesus said it is finished. So everything we need, He has the supply willing to give. His character His attributes His fruits are who He is. And His thoughts about us are always good because of Jesus. Now it’s in the learning of taking His hand and sitting sr His feet to soak in His love that what He says is true. Ps. 139. He’s there in the places we have been or are hiding. We cannot run from His presence. He us not ashamed of us. The cross of Christ of Christ care of all of that. Our starting point is the cross. Death, burial, RESURRECTION! This is still all new to me and I am still putting into practice the truth of what is revealed or unveil by His Holy Spirit who teaches us. But I am also learning that we are to talk about Gods goodness, grace, and mercy. It helps with renewing our minds that more trust and faith and boldness and identity can come in so to shine out. 🥰. I looked up word Shalom so this is what I say to each person who reads this. God bless you with the unspeakable joy that only comes from Him. Father God gives the most perfect gifts 🎁
Selah!
Thank you so much for sharing this and for your great encouragement for Bea! What a blessing!
I stumbled on your site….after reading Romans 12:1-2 I looked up the meaning of transforming our minds…..looking up both meanings individually. When looking up mind…..it said “double-mindedness and so I looked up that meaning and you popped up. Thank you for your blogs…..I subscribed! I desire to “walk”closer to God every day. I think your blogs will be “worth beyond rubies”!
Thank You Regina!
Wonderful and perfect timing reading your thoughts.
I’ve just read and have been convicted of my double mindedness. I separated from my beautiful partner last night after 3 years of being paralysed by indecision and exhaustion which came from not being my true self.
With Gods Grace and mercy, maybe I can change to be the man I can be and live in His promises.
Thank You again,
Good bless you
Mark x
Wow, Regina!! Amazing words, thank you for sharing!!
I’m Juan Pablo, I’m 19 at the moment, I’ll be 20 years of age in July, and since there’s internet these days it’s a little easier to socialize with other people like me, I mean, it’s scary for me sometimes to say what will happen because something I’ve learned is that life does change, different stuff happens that in my experience did not know it could interfere with what my plan is, but the truth is, I don’t have a plan, I daydream a lot, but I don’t have a plan because I don’t just do not know, it’s frustrating knowing all the crazy stuff that people do today that sometimes it wants to draw me in, but it’s wrong, that’s what I tell myself, anyway, God is real, Jesus of Nazareth is real, I’ve recently just learned that it’s Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus the Nazarene, the point is, the definition of Jesus is literally Salvation.
Juan it is very easy with the internet to get sucked into things that we should stay far from and even people who could lead us down the wrong path but it sounds as though you know the answer. Yes, Jesus’s Name in Hebrew, Yeshua, is from the word yeshuah which literally means salvation. He is the One to turn to when you feel overwhelmed or pulled in. Turn to the Word and you can always reach out for prayer as well. I have a chat function here on the site and you can message when you are having a difficult time and ask for prayer! You are young and God can use you in such amazing ways to reach other young people who struggle with the same things!
It’s 3am and I’m in the middle of a fast for unbelief and double-mindedness. I just studied and “got it” about unbelief. Now I’m studying how to conquer double-mindedness. I’ve made major life decisions and a little down the road, I change my decision or at least question it. I zig and then zag. Thanks for your input. It’s nice to know it’s more common than I realize. Feeling alone in this made me feel isolated, alone and self-loathing because of my lack of ‘stick-to-it”. I really think the unbelief and dbl-mindedness are very much connected. Plus I would pray (perhaps flippantly) and not test my decision by the Word. Then if it didn’t work the way I thought, I would change my mind thinking I missed it or didn’t actually hear from the LORD. Others around me didn’t believe me when I made a decision, or that I will stick with it – Ugh! I don’t have the support of those around me – Ugh!
LORD, help me to stay close to You and Your Word so that I can be bold and confident in my decisions, knowing for sure that I’m walking in Your Will.
Thank you for sharing this because I am in a season of living authentical with no apology as well as not living in mental bondage. You gave me a glimpse of myself because this is what I was doing until I was told you are human. I always believe in living a balanced life as long as it represents and pleases God. Now, that I know who I am in God, I am learning to be me freely, because of who I am and created to be. Thank for that…
Thank you for this honest look at being double minded, AND how to re-integrate both/all our sides so we are now longer compromising, but living by faith. I’ve struggled with this my whole life…46 years! Recognizing the root as being fear is so helpful! God bless you for sharing your journey with us; I hope living boldly is still going strong for you!
Christina
Denver, CO
Thank you so much Christina!! I am so glad you enjoyed it!