Dealing With Indecision Series

It also causes:

B. Unstable RELATIONSHIPS

Lack of commitment destroys marriages. Do I want in or do I want out. What if I stay in – what if I get out – what if – what if – what if? Indecision causes instability.

Lack of commitment destroys families. When you are the parent and you keep changing the rules it does not create a stable household. It gives mixed messages to your children. What’s the rule today? The kids ask, "Can I do this – can I do that?" They think - mom or dad has said this – but they always change their minds - I might as well do what I want.

Lack of commitment destroys churches. Can you be counted on – are you going to be there – are you going to do what you said you would do? Are you going to keep your word? You see indecision causes unstable relationships.

Indecision also causes:

C. Unstable SPIRITUAL LIFE

Look at what James says in verse seven:

“Let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.” James 1:7 (NKJV)

Being double-minded blocks your prayers. It blocks your commitment to God. Indecision in your life keeps God from giving His blessing and it keeps you from receiving what God has for you. If you don’t believe God can – why would He? Remember the verse from Hebrews we ended with last week – it applies here also:

“No one can please God without faith. Whoever goes to God must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 (GW)

Circle the word "must" in that verse. You "must" believe in Him if you are going to get a blessing from Him. If you don’t have faith in Him – God will not reward you for your faithfulness. How can He if you have no faith in Him?

Indecision affects your spiritual life. You can sing “Onward Christian Solider” on Sunday but on Monday if you go AWOL you are not a faithful Christian Solider. Double-mindedness produces a double life. It causes instability in all of your ways. It produces an unstable lifestyle.

II. The Solution – WISDOM

What is the solution? James tells us to, “Get wisdom.” He says:

“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.” James 1:5 (NKJV)

Then he gives us three practical steps on how to get wisdom.

1. Admit your NEED

The first part of verse five says, “If any of you lacks wisdom” – how would you know if you lack wisdom unless you examine yourself and see if you are lacking in wisdom. If you are lacking something – then you have a need for it. So the first thing you need to do is examine yourself and admit your need.

Let me ask you a question – how many of you have so much wisdom – that you don’t need any more? None of us! We all can use more wisdom. We all should want to be wiser. We all lack wisdom in some areas. We don’t know everything - {even though you may know some people who think they do}. God tells us to admit our need - we need wisdom.

Let me tell you up front. Wisdom is different than knowledge. Wisdom is knowledge put into practice. Wisdom is the practical application of knowledge. Wisdom is seeing life from God’s point of view – from God’s perspective. Do I always see things the way God sees them? No! I need wisdom to do that – we all do. Admit your need.