That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
I should have included this verse with yesterday’s post. Still, there may be something here for us. Let’s take a look…
James has opened his letter talking about “trials of many kinds” and how from a godly perspective they should be considered “pure joy.” He then writes that he wants believers to be “mature and complete, not lacking in anything.” Immediately he focuses on wisdom. We don’t know why, but James thinks it is important. All we have to do to get godly wisdom is to ask. The caveat is that we need to believe when we ask, Then James contrasts belief with doubts. He says the doubter is like a “wave on the sea.”
In today’s verse, he talks about people who should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
Who are these people? Who asks something from the Lord but does not believe?
I don’t think James is talking about new believers or people who are confused. As we read further along in James’ letter we will discover that he has certain people in mind who are focused on themselves rather than the Lord. These two verses are an opening salvo in what will become a broadside against those who seek power and wealth for themselves rather than doing what God desires.
Application: The application here is don’t try and fool God. He knows your thoughts and your heart. Holding something back inside does not work.
Food for Thought: How do the people James is talking about affect the church?
I think that when we are double minded as James talks about here, we are practicing practical atheism. Our faith is put in check and we do not exercise true faith or real trust. That is discouraging the growth of an active faith in the life of the church body. We all should keep on guard. I find this an easy place to get to even in my own life. 1 Peter 5:7-9.
“Be alert and of sober mind.”
I am always impressed with the Scripture references you call to mind! What excellent advice. Verse 7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him…” which I take to mean that we are not to worry, and yet we are still to be watchful; alert and sober minded.
In my own faith journey, the most difficult challenge has been learning what to watch for. We who believe are not to be gullible.