Some of the unhappiest people on the planet are fence-sitters. Some of the most unliked people in the workplace are fence-sitters. Some of the most unproductive politicians are fence-sitters. Some of the most discontented Christians are fence-sitters. Some of the most ineffective leaders in the community or in an assembly are fence-sitters. By the way, there’s a world of difference between a fence-sitter and a bridge-builder.

Are you a fence-sitter or do you know what side of the fence you are on?

In Elijah’s day the people of God were trying to straddle the fence. They were afraid to abandon their God Jehovah. They knew He had proven Himself in the past to be the Almighty God who intervenes powerfully. They knew He was real. But on the other hand there was Baal and the sensually appealing activities associated with Baal worship that catered to their depraved nature.

Could they have the best of God and the best of Baal? God’s man Elijah called them together for the Mount Carmel Summit and said:

“How long will you go limping between two different opinions?

If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.”
And the people did not answer him a word.
1Kings 18:21

Torn in two directions. They were hopping back ‘n forth. Flip-flopping around. Limping and unable to move forward, wanting God’s blessings and Baal’s perks. Have you ever observed a bird unable to decide which branch it wants to use as a perch – hopping back and forth from one branch to another? That’s the metaphor Elijah used.

Do you know which side of the fence you are on? Be sure of this – there are two sides: Christ and the world. Are you trying to get as many blessings as possible from the Christian side of your life, while also enjoying as many perks and pleasures from the world as possible?

Have you noticed that you aren’t really enjoying your Christian life? Have you wondered why you have no joy? Where is that legendary joy-of-the-Lord is? Is it all hype? Do all Christians, deep-down, feel the same way as you do? Is it all put on or are there some truly joyful believers who are loving their relationship with the Lord?

Fence-sitters are not happy nor are they productive or effective. Dear Christian, our God is either Lord of all in our life or He is not Lord at all in our life. Our God demands total loyalty. Baal and the world will allow a Christian to have a smattering of God and some spiritual things to blend in with a worldly lifestyle. But the Lord will not allow such a blend. That explains why some are spiritually ineffective and unhappy.

Joshua challenged the people of God: “Choose you this day whom you will serve!” Joshua 24:15. The Apostle Paul said words to this effect: “Since you, in fact, are risen with Christ, if you are in fact saved, then seek those things that are above!” Colossians 3:1.

Do you want to limp home to Heaven as a discontented and unhappy fence-sitter or do you want to walk smartly and briskly for the Lord, enjoying progress and fulfillment, living a life of eternal significance? How long will you hop back and forth between two opposing lifestyles?

Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.
Warmly in Christ,
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