“A doubleminded man is unstable in all this ways.” “Unstable” means confused like a drunk staggering and reeling around. I saw a frightening picture of this two days ago.
I was driving on Ranch Road 12 heading to Wimberley (Texas) from San Marcos (Texas). The two laned highway is a lovely drive this time of year in the Texas Hill Country. For the most part, RR 12 is lined on either side by some of the most desirable ranches in this part of the world. I was pondering the events of the day and thinking about the week to come. And then — I noticed him.
He was in front of me driving a four door sedan. It was apparent that he was “unstable.” Was it an elderly person having some kind of medical condition behind the wheel? Was it someone who didn’t have enough sleep and was dosing off? Was it a drunk driver? His car swerved into the incoming lane repeatedly. With a good turn of the wheel he would accelerate into the shoulder of the road. It was frightening. I began to picture my daughter, wife, or friend coming in the opposite direction not knowing the danger they may face.
Inevitably, he lost control of his vehicle crossing over both lanes of the road and slammed into a road sign. I approached him cautiously asking, “Sir, are you okay.” He nodded his head and stated, “Yes, I’m okay.” “Are you drunk?” I asked. He said, “Yes.” I asked him to stay in his car and dashed back to my truck to call the authorities. Within minutes, he fled from his vehicle. As the police arrived, the search began. He was apprehended thirty minutes later.
Indeed, a real live picture of one who is “unstable.” He threatened not only his own life, but the lives of others due to his foolishness.
The author of the book of James writes: “IF [emphasis mine] any of you lack wisdom…” Can you picture the tongue of James squarely tucked away in his cheek? “IF any of you….IF any of you…” Indeed, we lack wisdom– it’s an international, world wide dilemma. In such a crisis, James encourages us to turn to God. “It is the Lord who gives wisdom; from Him comes knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). James counsels us to expect an answer in faith thanking God in advance.
What is God’s response? “He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.” Simply put, God grants us wisdom continually, generously and cheerfully.
The drunk driver is a picture of one who is “unstable.” Spiritually, an unstable person is two souled– pulled apart in different directions, exemplifying divided loyalties and priorities. He or she has the potential of haphazardly crossing lines wreaking havoc and harm to others.
Wisdom from above grants us the ability to make decisions the way that God would make decisions. Wisdom is applying the knowledge of God into the world in which we live. His wisdom eradicates instability and steers us straight.
As we approach Thursday’s National Day of Prayer, may our request be like Solomon’s request many years ago. May we ask God for wisdom…. for your cell members…for your church family…. for your personal journey down the sometimes dangerous road ahead.