Developing a Consistent Thought-life

Because of the multiple and often conflicting origins of our belief system, our thinking will often be at odds with itself. For example, many of us have been reared with one set of values and have had these challenged by the conflicting values as we face life on our own. It can occur when we are caught in the midst of argumentative and strife filled situations. Confusion can manifest itself is in situations where we are seeking the will of God and get caught between two directions and can't decide what God is really saying.

James, in James 1:5-8, gives one of the most complete teachings on the subject of confusion (in the latter sense) found in the New Testament: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;. he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

Confusion is precipitated by doubt. Most of us at one time or another have specific questions we ask of God or specific requests we make of Him. James encourages us to do so assuring us that the Father will not be offended nor rebuke us for our approaching Him with our needs. He warns us though to ask in faith – not wavering. The idea of wavering is illustrated in Jude 9, “Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’'' The picture here is of Michael pulling the body of Moses one way and the devil pulling the other – a tug of war. The KJV uses the word “wavering” in James 1:6 and “contending” in Jude 9. In both cases it is the same word meaning “to be divided in thinking.” This is illustrated in James 1:8 where he described one who wavers as being double minded. James, in James 1:6, taught that this man would be tossed and driven unable to settle down (emotionally, mentally and circumstantially), never having a solid place to stand.

Confusion is characterized by indecisiveness. This was the mentality of Israel that provoked the contest between Elijah and the wicked prophets of Jezebel in 1 Kings 18:21. Elijah thundered out to Israel: “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.” The term “halt” means literally “ to go limping between two opinions.” That is precisely what happens when we are filled with confusion. We go back and forth, unable to make a clear and final decision.

Fearfulness and hesitation perpetuate confusion. The longer the indecisiveness continues, the more deeply we become entrenched in the trough of uncertainty. This in turn produces fearfulness wherein we are afraid to decide anything for fear we will make the wrong decision. Fearfulness, then, produces hesitation – a roadblock in thinking depriving us of the clarity of thought needed to function in a positive and powerful way. As a result a complete circle is made bringing us back to the starting point.

Confusion creates spiritual impotency and ineffectualness. James teaches that an indecisive person (double minded) will not receive anything from the Lord. His life will be sterile and ineffectual. The barriers he faces in life are self-imposed creating their own impasse.

The remedy for confusion. The remedy for anything is the Word of God. In our thought life as well as our prayer life we tend to be impetuous and undisciplined. To be free from confusion a person must take control of his thinking, submitting it to the Word of God and the Spirit of God. As Paul said, “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Clear thinking requires an absolute standard against which it is assessed to determine its worth, correctness, and intent. Only the Bible possesses that kind of objectivity. When we bring our thinking into captivity and submit it to the Word, it is analyzed giving us clarity of thought and purpose. Paul further says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things. are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

God, enrich each of us in our thought life,

Jeff

• Jefferson H. and Norma R. Floyd, CO-directors • Jubilee International • P. O. Box 572 • Noblesville, IN 46061