Scripture brands those who live with one foot in the world while claiming to love God ... 'double-minded'. They continually vacillate between two incompatible realms; one of light and one of darkness.
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14
Convinced it is natural to be citizens of both kingdoms, double-minded people have a 'religion' that is nothing short of a futile attempt to pacify a God who resides somewhere in the background of life. James refers to it as spiritual adultery ...
Adulterers, do you not know that friendship with the world means hostility toward God? So whoever decides to be the world’s friend makes himself God’s enemy. James 4:4
We are to be 'single-minded'. God wants all of your loyalty ... Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. [Mark 12:30).
John spoke of those who look forward to Christ’s return ... they 'purify themselves, just as He is pure'. (1 John 3:3) and Jesus said 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God'. (Matthew 5:8). The term 'pure' here is the absence of filth and degradation.
Anything that distracts or has a contaminating influence will ultimately divide your loyalty and soil your heart ... rendering you ineffective as a servant of God. A pure heart is evidenced by openness, clarity, and an uncompromising desire to please the Lord in all that you think, say, and do.
Purity goes beyond a self-disciplined change in behavior; it comes from a total surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can make you pure in heart and single in mind. His shed blood washes away your sin and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit cleanses your life.
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