We pronounce the letter in the image above as “double u.” While that’s fine for the alphabet, God didn’t make a double you. He created you in His image and He’s satisfied with His work!
In fact, the Bible warns us about behaving as though we’re two people. Let’s go through the passages in their order of appearance to see why this is so. (All but the first verse are from the New American Standard Bible.)
“Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.” – 1 Chronicles 12:33 (KJV)
“They speak falsehood to one another; with flattering lips and with a double heart they speak.” – Psalm 12:2
In the Bible, the heart refers to our inner essence. It includes our motivations, feelings, commitments, thoughts, and decisions.
To have a double heart, then, means that we have two sets of values, two primary affections. Holding on to both isn’t tenable. Sooner or later, one of them must give way.
The first verse paints a picture of single-hearted commitment. The soldiers from the tribe of Zebulun were reliable; King David could depend on them. They committed themselves to the defense of Israel and would hold nothing back. They dedicated all their skills and resources to protecting the nation. They had the opposite of a double heart.
The second verse refers to words, not weapons, but we know that they can injure like swords. The falsehoods and flattery the psalmist David condemns flow out of a double heart.
In Hebrew, the term “double heart” is an idiomatic expression. In literal English, it’s “with heart in heart.” What does this phrase convey?
With two hearts, we embed one in the other. The buried one hides from public exposure, even from ourselves. The other is our public persona. If they align, we’re centered. If they clash, we’re stressed and we take it out on others. In the case of harsh words, such behavior is damaging. In the case of a soldier, it’s lethal.
“I hate those who are double-minded, but I love Your law.” – Psalm 119:113
The psalmist contrasts double-mindedness with God’s Word. The Bible deserves our full attention and rewards our devotion. Yet in spite of what Scripture promises, people contemplate it very little. So they remain double-minded.
The adjective here means “ambivalent, divided, half-hearted.” It portrays a person mired in indecision. What liberates us from this trap? The Bible! When we make God’s Word our priority, we get two blessings. First, the Lord frees us from uncertainty. We no longer vacillate about the issues we’re facing. Second, God keeps us from future ambivalence. We don’t have to fear wondering how we’re going to handle a problem because we’ve already made up our mind. Following Jesus by obeying His Word (John 14:23) secures us in God’s love and gives us confidence about the future.
“Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.” – 1 Timothy 3:8-9
The word Paul uses, dilogos, has two meanings. One is to be repetitive. The other is to say different things to different groups. This Greek term combines two other words, “twice” and “word.” The context tells us whether the writer intends redundancy or dissembling.
We could argue that Paul’s criticizing people who repeat themselves. But that’s not what this word means! But this doesn’t fit the context of moral qualification for deacons. Attempting to be peace-makers, they were playing both sides in church disputes. It sounds like what politicians do!
That’s what Paul was telling them to avoid. And while that’s good advice, what are they supposed to pursue? The apostle spells it out: “the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.”
In the life and ministry of the church, we have to learn to trust God. Sometimes we don’t understand how the Spirit is guiding us, but our conscience will help us. We best serve people when we walk in the peace of Christ and make decisions that exalt Him. Rather than trying to please everybody, we aim to please the Lord.
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” – James 1:5-8
“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
In both these passages, James refers to Christians who act as if they have two minds. (The Greek word is dipsuchos which combines “twice” and “soul.”) The thoughts and deeds of these believers look like they come from two different people.
The solution to double-mindedness is single-mindedness. But we don’t achieve this on our own; we need God’s help.
“Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name.” – Psalm 86:11
The answer is to allow the Lord to recollect our souls so we honor Him without hesitation or distraction.
So don’t be a double you! Be single-minded for Christ!
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