Singleness Of Heart

by G. Jarvie, Glasgow | Category: General | Mar 1971

"I hate them that are of a double mind; But Thy law do I love" (Psalm 119:113).

Double-mindedness is by no means uncommon in the children of men but when it is found in a disciple of the Lord Jesus it is a serious hindrance to his own spiritual progress, and to his fellowship with others. The apostle James says that such a man is unstable. He will receive nothing from the Lord. His prayers will remain unanswered. Double-mindedness is a form of duplicity. It has this meaning in the original. The Lord Jesus said that when the eye is evil (or double) the whole body is full of darkness, but when the eye is single the whole body is full of light (Matt. 6:22; Luke 11:34). It is well nigh impossible for a double-minded person to apprehend the truth of God. Among believers it is impossible for an assembly of God to have oneness of heart and soul if any of them are double-minded. Only the love of Christ can deliver from this form of self-deceit. If we find more joy in earthly things than in the things of God then the cause may well be the sin of double-mindedness. Not for long can believers continue professing to love the Lord if in their hearts they love the world. The feet soon follow where the heart has gone. Double-mindedness destroys spiritual life

David lamented that godly men were ceasing, and the faithful were failing from among the children of men; that men were speaking with double hearts (Psalm 12:1,2). James called upon the double-minded to purify their hearts (4:8). And

Paul warned that deacons must not be double-tongued (1 Tim. 3:8). Double hearts; double minds; and double tongues! How needful it is that the servant of Christ should be sincere and void of offence.

We read of the early disciples that they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart (Acts 2:46). They had gladness of heart because they had singleness of heart. How important this is I Later on we read that they were of one heart and soul (Acts 4:32). Among all that multitude of disciples none was double-minded. No wonder that when they prayed they had such grace and power I No wonder they were so attractive I "Believers were the more added to the Lord (that is to the Lord's disciples), multitudes, both of men and women" (Acts 5:14).

In Romans 12:8 we read "He that giveth let him do it with liberality" (Gk. singleness). Giving gladly to the Lord and to others with singleness of heart brings joy and fulness in our lives and service. Sincerity and singleness of heart and speech are a wonderful attraction to others. No duplicity in action or in word. Let us remember the Master's words, "If... thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light".

G. Jarvie, Glasgow | Mar 1971
General