A person with divided loyalty ...

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If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. -James 1:5-8

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Other translations render "divided loyalty" as "doubled minded". I like both concepts. James is basically telling us that we cannot have it both ways when we pray. At it's core the word trust embodies the idea of loyalty and being of one mind with God. Even so, it is not about perfection - some of my most heartfelt prayers have been peppered with questions and doubts. I believe the apostle is not advocating purity of faith but purity of love and trust in God's character.

I think that our beliefs about God come greatly to bear when we pray. I liken it to the way that some approach their Father. If they feel safe in his love towards them they will be singled minded in that respect. Yet if they do not feel safe they will come tenuously to their dad. Such is the reason that the writer of Hebrews says that we can come boldly to God in prayer. We who are single minded in the love of God exhibit confidence when we come to his throne of grace.

Help us Lord to get past our earthly images of the word father. Open our eyes to your unending love for us.

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