James 1:7. A Double-minded man is unstable in all his ways and cannot please God.
DEFINITIONS OF THE PASSIVE MIND
Earline's definition is a mind not directed by its owner but open to allow any thought to pass
through. It often accepts lies as truth, and fears as facts. Webster's definition is receiving impression from external agents - not acting - being the objective of the action rather than the subject.
Passive Mind - The passive mind does not accept completely the Word of God as Truth, therefore
it is always questioning and wondering. This questioning and wondering weakens the will,
causing the person to be slow to obey God. This is the cause of most of the instability we see in
Christians today. It causes us to be unsettled in our minds. God's purpose within is to establish
and settle us (1 Peter 5:6-11). If we refuse to stand against the Devil, God cannot strengthen us.
Active Mind - The active mind studies and tests God's Word, sees it work, believes it, accepts it,
trusts it, and relies on it. It is continually learning more of God's will and obeying His precepts.
How do you know a Christian? By watching him do what God has said in the Bible for him to do.
Mental Passivity - includes in its descriptive words: unreasoning, inactive, unenthusiastic, unresponsive, unqualified obedience to the commands of another, lawful or unlawful. (Mark 4:24 -
futile mind; Eph. 4:17-19 - seducing pastors or teachers who patronize you to get you on their
side, many times opposing God's Word. Rom. 6:16 - You will become the slave of whomever
you yield your mind to obey.) A person who does not successfully complete earthly duties shows
mental passivity.
Consider and read these scriptures: Jer, 12:5 (This scripture is to the prophet, Jeremiah. It is also
to pastors and Christians today. If you are afraid to live for and obey God in time of peace, what
will you do in time of trial and persecution?); Rom. 12:1-2 (whole body including mind is sacrifice);
Eph. 4:17-32 (strip self of all old mental and spiritual attitudes and put on new.); Phil. 2:13
(God's power works in us and we will do His Word.)
CAUSES OF THE PASSIVE MIND
Manipulation by Jezebelic mother or father, and Ahab mother or father. Ignorance of spiritual commandments given in Old and New Testaments. Looking back and using the same method of drawing conclusions. Draining mental energy by constant recriminations and unproductive activity of worrying, plotting and planning.
QUIET MIND VS. PASSIVE MIND
If we give thanks to God and truly trust Him we have inner peace. Our minds-and bodies both
work and produce better. A quiet mind is at peace and resting in the Lord with full confidence in God even in times of trial. A passive mind is always active "spinning wheels" with thoughts running rampant through it jumping from one thing to another, almost never at rest or at peace.
Consider and read these scriptures. 2 Kings 4:8-36 (Shunammite woman not intimidated by death); Isa. 30:15-16 (God called His people to quietness and trusting Him in order to have confidence and strength); Dan. 6:14-23 (King let his mind be played upon by people; in pride and ignorance he would have shed innocent blood had not God come to Daniel's help); Luke 1:27-38
(Mary not passive in accepting God's plans for her - it was not unusual in that day for unmarried
pregnant women to be stoned on their way to the well, etc.); 1 Pet. 3:3-4
(God's woman has peace of mind.)
ACTIVE PARTICIPANT
You must be an active participant in your change from old to new life (passive to active). Jer.
12:5 - You cannot run with the men on horseback unless your mind is settled by a life of practice
in obeying God's Word; Heb. 2:3 - How shall we escape (appropriate retribution) if we neglect
so great salvation; 2 Tim. 3:2-5 - A chilling account of the mind in last days (seems like what we
see today); Eph. 4:17-32 - We cannot live as the unsaved!
To a passive person, Phil. 2:3 means that God will work everything out for me. God does the
willing and doing. To an active person, Phil. 2:3 means that God will work in me as I obey His commandments and line myself up with His will. Then His good pleasure is done in and through me. Consider and read these scriptures which teach about the active/passive mind: Pro. 3:5-10. Vs. 5. Lean on, trust in and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind, and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. Vs. 6. In all your ways know, and recognize and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Vs. 7.
Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord, and turn (entirely) away from evil. Vs. 8. It will be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones. This seems like a prescription for good mental, spiritual and physical health. The rest of these scriptures give more insight about how to work out Pro. 3:5-10. Pro. 3:13-14; 6:17-18; Isa. 26:3; 55:8-9; Rom. 112 6:16; 8:6-7; 10:12; 12:1-3; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph. 4:21-32; Gal. 6:3; Phil. 2:4-9; 4:8; Col. 1:21; 2 Tim. 1:7; James 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:13; 2 Pet. 3:1.
We must repent, change our mind and change our conduct. The battle for our minds began in the
Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. In Matt. 3 we see the contrast between the minds of those
obeying God and those in disobedience; 2 Cor. 4:4, following the god of this world brings a
blinded mind. Gen. 3:1-6, doubt, unbelief, questioning God, adding to what God has said brings
instability. Rom. 6:16, results of yielding to wrong person or attitudes, etc.
