When our God-given assignments fail we may become discouraged and throw in the towel.  It is, however, important that we take some time to evaluate ourselves and determine the causes of our setbacks.  May you be refreshed in the presence of the Lord as you assess yourself. 

Sitting at two tables

We are often faced with  a crisis to commit to one specific table – fellowship or spiritual family where the Word of God is shared.  The table is a place of nourishment and covenant.  God is highly covenantal.   When we are not sensitive to His priority to covenant we may find ourselves unfruitful in the Kingdom. 

Right through scripture there is a demand for loyalty and covenant.  When we are joined to the Lord, we are one spiritwith Him (1 Corinthians 6:17).  We cannot sit at the Table of the Lord and the table of demons at the same time.  We cannot serve God and mammon at the same time.  We are called to commitment and covenant.  Likewise, maintaining divided loyalty between two visions or spiritual homes can lead to confusion and hinder spiritual progress.  Believers often vacillate between churches without any conviction and any deeper commitment to any of them.  Wandering between spiritual families is a sign of double-mindedness and instability.  The same can be said about a man developing a relationship with two women at the same time!  Both are under the impression that they will be his wife.  When a person is committed to two tables at the same time, they will not be able to devote full attention and loyalty to either.  The result is that the person will not be fruitful and able to produce something of value as they are not fully committed to one.  Thus, the Bible declares that “a double-minded man is unstable in all of his ways”.  We can learn from Paul when he said: “This one thing I do.”  It is important to cut the visitation short and a matter of urgency to commit to the one the Lord has called to watch over your soul. 

The unstable and immoral woman in Proverbs 5 is a picture of a believer who is estranged from God. Her seductive words seem sweet, but her ways lead to bitterness, death, and destruction. The unstable nature of this “strange woman” mirrors the life of someone whose spiritual walk is inconsistent or divided.

Jonathan was in covenant with David but sat of the fence for a long time.  He was unable to disconnect from Saul and died in battle with him.   But we can learn from his son, Mephibosheth, who left the dry place called Lo-Debar and sat at David’s table continually.  Although he was lame, the table covered his weakness.  Divided loyalty and instability lead to spiritual failure, while a covenant relationship with God, and a spiritual father, brings alignment, purpose, and blessing.   We must choose to firmly stand with God’s vision for our lives, avoiding the pitfalls of wavering commitment and spiritual wandering.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.  – 1 Corinthians 15:58