It Is Time to Get Off the Fence 

One day recently I came upon an unusual sight as I drove by a cul-de-sac near our church. I was accustomed to seeing vehicles parked in that area as workers took a break or ate their lunch there. However, I hadn’t seen a car in this position before. Instead of pulled over to the shoulder of the road, it was setting atop the guardrail. I had to look twice to make sure I was evaluating the situation correctly. It appeared as if someone who was circling the cul-de-sac didn’t successfully navigate the turn and ended up driving onto that metal structure. The only reason this feat was possible is because one end of the rail had been previously damaged and hung low to the ground. Therefore it served almost as a ramp. The car had climbed up the rail and was stuck in that awkward position. Later I saw that a tow truck had been dispatched and successfully rescued the vehicle from its precarious predicament.

Seeing that car perched on the guardrail reminded me of how we sometimes refer to people as “straddling the fence.” It is used to describe someone who isn’t fully committed to one side or the other. Maybe the person is indecisive. Or it could be that he or she refuses to take sides so as to avoid conflict or opposition. In some cases, such an individual is trying to have it both ways – to reap the benefits of both sides of an issue without facing the negative consequences from either side. However, such fence-sitting can not only be a sign of lack of character, courage or conviction, but it often doesn’t end well.  

This principle especially holds true when it comes to our relationship with the Lord. We are called to love Him with all our hearts, not with hearts divided in our loyalty. God expects our full devotion. He doesn’t tolerate those who try to serve Him while still serving other gods in their lives. The first of the Ten Commandments declares, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3).

There was a time in the history of Israel when King Ahab and his wicked queen were promoting the worship of the false god, Baal. The people were becoming drawn more and more away from worshipping Jehovah and instead were giving their devotion to this idol being endorsed by the royal family. God’s prophet, Elijah, confronted the people with their fence-sitting. “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him” (I Kings 18:21). In other words, “Make a decision. Choose which side you are on. Fully commit to one way or the other.”

Maybe the Lord would have a similar message for some of us today. It is time to choose which side we are on. Are we fully devoted to Him or to something else? Here are a few possibilities to consider. If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if your preferred politician or political party, follow them. If the Lord is God follow Him; but if your favorite sports team, follow it. If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if your family, follow it. If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if your country, follow it. If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if yourself and your ideas, follow those. If the Lord is God follow Him; but if fame, power, or popularity, follow them. If the Lord is God, follow Him and His word; but if the world and its values, follow them.

Some of us need to quit straddling the fence and get fully on board with God. It is time to make a choice.