Some of the unhappiest people on the planet are fence-sitters. Some of the most disliked people in the workplace are fence-sitters. Some of the most ineffective politicians are fence-sitters. Some of the most joyless Christians are fence-sitters. Some of the weakest leaders in the local church or the community-at-large are fence-sitters.

By the way, there’s a world of difference between a fence-sitter and a bridge-builder. One delays, waffles, dithers and flip-flops. The other acts with positive purpose and direction.

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 straddling the fence between the two completely opposing powers. They couldn’t quite let go of God  —after all, He had proven Himself time and again to be the living God who intervenes with power. They knew He was real. But on the other hand, there was Baal worship and its sensual appeal, catering to their depraved nature.

Could they somehow get the best of both? God’s blessings and Baal’s indulgences?

God’s man, Elijah, summoned them to Mount Carmel — a summit for the fence-sitters. And with blazing clarity, he demanded:

“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. 1 Kings 18:21

Often, silence is the trademark of a fence-sitter. They were torn and hesitant. Like a bird hopping indecisively between two branches, they flitted back and forth—never fully settling and definitely not soaring. They were hopping back and forth, wanting God’s blessings and Baal’s perks. Elijah used the metaphor of a bird unable to decide which branch to use as a perch, hopping back and forth between one branch and another.

Someone has said that’s what happens when you try to live with one foot in the world and one foot in the Kingdom of God.

Where are you perched today? Do you know which side of the fence you are on? Be sure of this – there are two sides: Christ and the world. Light and darkness. Life and death.

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? Do you really think you will find a balance —just enough of Christ to feel safe and just enough of the world to feel satisfied? Don’t be surprised if you are plagued by unrest, discontent and a spiritual dullness that robs you of vitality spiritually — but also life in general.

Have you wondered why you have no joy? Where is that legendary joy-of-the-Lord? Is it all hype? Do all Christians, deep down, feel the same way as you do? Is it all fake, or are there some truly joyful believers who genuinely love their relationship with the Lord?

Fence-sitters are neither happy, productive, nor effective. They get the worst of both worlds. Too much of God to enjoy the world. Too much of the world to enjoy God.

Dear Christian, our God is either Lord of all in our life or He is not Lord at all in our life. He won’t co-reign with Baal on the throne of your heart. God demands total loyalty. Baal and the world will allow a Christian to have a smattering of God and some spiritual things sprinkled on top of what it offers. But the Lord will not tolerate 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 Paul urged the Colossians: “Since you are risen with Christ, seek those things that are above!” Colossians 3:1

Do you want to limp home to Heaven as a discontented and unhappy fence-sitter? How long will you hop back and forth between two opposing lifestyles?

Take time to check out these New Testament verses and reflect on their significance relative to the fence-sitting theme of this Bible Bite. Matthew 6:24, Romans 12:1-2, 2Timothy 4:10, James 1:6-8, 1John 2:15, Revelation 3:15-16.

Lord, ignite within me a fire of Godly purpose to walk smartly and briskly for Christ, enjoying progress and living a life of eternal significance. I don’t want to limp through life or inch my way to eternity. I want to leave behind the fog of indecision, fence-sitting and flirting with the world. Give me the strength to be loyal, bold, joyful and effective in honouring Christ and give me the wisdom required to build bridges to reach others for Your glory.