On The Fence
Hello friends, I am hoping to delve into a topic that I find is a problem today. This is something I have always struggled with, even as a child. So, through these sharings and findings, perhaps the Lord will help not only me, but somebody else reading this.
¹⁵I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! ¹⁶So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
– Romans 3:15,16 NIV
Personal Past
Lying in bed this morning, these were the verses that Richard Ellis preached about as I listened to his podcast. As I had just woken up, I was listening only halfway. Then he read this verse. They are words that have always made me uncomfortable. They are the words of God, written by John. Because of that, I should take heed of them and do my best to listen.
Yet I’ve always turned away when hearing such words. Why? Because the verses feel as if they are directly pointed at me. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been on the fence. It is tough for me to make everyday decisions, much less important stances on religious or political things! Though, I feel now is the time to change that.
Three Kinds of People
In our world today, especially in my generation, everyone is either strongly grounded in what they believe or they ride the fence. The people who strongly believe their opinion is “correct” will go to lengths of ridiculing the people who are on the other side of the argument, giving out hate to those against them. Then the other party, those on the fence, nervously sit on their hands, too scared of offending someone to form their own thoughts or opinions.
However, I know not all people fall into these two categories. Though, a majority of the population does (from what I’ve seen in the world, that is). There are still some sensible people in this world who hold fast to their beliefs, defending them when necessary but being peaceful enough to hear the other side (even if they don’t agree). It is possible to have strong opinions and opposition without being rude or violent.
This third, more rare type of people is exactly what we must be as Christians. This way, we are following God’s will and no one can look you in the eyes to tell you you are a hypocrite.
Moral of the Story
So you may be wondering, where am I going with this? I’m kind of wondering the same thing. All I know is the Lord wants me to do this and by God, I shall. The moral of this story boils down to this: take a stand. Consider the values of God and the values of your own. Then hold steady to them.
There will come a time when you are tested, a time when you are ridiculed, and even a time when you are hated for your belief. That’s part of it.
¹⁸If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. ¹⁹If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to this world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
– John 15:18,19 NIV
Reflection
I am unsure what other people feel on this particular subject, but for me, it is very hard to imagine others hating me. Because of my mindset, because of the way I have been raised, it is a challenge to get over people not liking me. Though I’m slowly beginning to realize that that mindset only stunts my growth.
One must accept that they are unable to win the hearts of everyone and will indeed be spat upon. That is not only due to us being human, but is inherent in being a true Christian. For if Christ went through these woes of the world, we will inevitably share them as well if we take up our cross and follow after Him.
Conclusion
After all of that, I hope this helped someone out there because it definitely has helped me. Go out there and make a change, whether it be miniscule or epic. No matter the size, any step towards God is a step forward (which is a lot better than backsliding).
As for me, I shall challenge myself to be more involved with my community and invite my non-Christian friends to church (not just for their sake, for my own as well). In the comments, share something you are going to change! I’d love to read the positive moves people make. I hope you all have a blessed day!
~Annelise
P.S.
Here is the podcast I listened to that sparked this writing!
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