Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart, I Chronicles 12:33.
A Single Heart
A man's heart need be single, no double life within. A double life well hidden will never lack for sin. A single heart well purposed will do its duty well. But the double life of men will do the whims of hell.
A man whose heart is single will have a depth of soul. But the double hearted man can only play the roll. There is no room for virtue in a man spread so thin. Two faced and double hearted, he lacks the depth within.
One side of a doubled man lacks a depth of feelings. Love may be his pretense, but cruel are his dealings. His other half's no better, with feelings on his sleeve, To wound his tender feelings, is easy to achieve.
Be a single hearted man whose purposes are clear, A man who's double hearted can never be held dear. Tho' for just a moment he may answer to our dreams. A double hearted person is never what he seems.
They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak, Psalm 12:2.
Anyone who has ever attempted to pastor a church has discovered that not everyone's heart is set upon the glory of God. Even within the ministry itself there are many whose hearts are clearly divided. Many years ago when I was musing over a betrayal that my church had endured, I was struck by a similarity I had observed in those whose hearts are divided. (That particular person was repentant and is today an outstanding member of a Baptist Church and entirely trustworthy and valuable to that church.)
When a man's heart is divided, he seems to display two sets of characteristics. He will talk of love and fellowship but there is no depth to that talk. There is no substance behind it. Instead there is a cruelty often displayed in betrayal on even small levels. All of the right words seem to be there but rarely are they ever implemented unless they can bring glory to himself.
Such a person is easily offended. They cannot forget small slights. They are forever asking for clarification on what someone meant. They sulk often. Their ego needs constant stroking.
I am not sure why this poem that I wrote so many years ago has pressed so hard on my heart this morning. If God can use what I have said to guide you to a single heart or to protect you from someone with a double heart then glory to God!