A person makes a statement not only to the people around them, but to God, when he or she chooses to sit on the fence that separates holiness from evil. Rather than committing oneself in a definitive way, choosing one side or the other, they are saying by their actions, “I want gratification in both worlds.” They refuse to pick which one to pledge their loyalty and devotion, because their allegiance is torn between the world of right and the world of wrong; good and evil; black and white; righteous and unrighteous; sweet and bitter; holy and unholy living.
The fence is the line of demarcation that is straddled with one foot on one side and the other foot on the opposite side. This individual is attempting to satisfy the lust of the flesh, while playing mind games, telling them self that it’s okay to take part in both worlds.
Our church pastor made a statement in his sermon regarding greener pastures on the other side of the fence. He said, “The reason the grass is greener is because there is more manure on that side.” This is certainly true. The world is full of dung; a cesspool of corruption and sin.
Inquisitive eyes peer aimlessly into the devils territory where unrest, turmoil, questions, and pain are camouflaged by eye-catching twinkles of cheap, glittering rhinestone-pleasures that blind unsuspecting, searching eyes. These carefully orchestrated temptations are not found on the lea side of the fence where protection and shelter from the winds of deception reside.
This world of sin is full of pleasurable deceptions that are temporal and transitory. All that is seen are illusions of happiness that quickly vanish once they are consumed. Stability and the hunger for something tangible elude double minded people. The pursuit to find happiness and satisfaction slips from the grasp of unclean hands, while the realities of fruitless excursions, void of peace, remain.
Though sin is enjoyed for a short period of time, it soon passes. Heartache replaces gratifying groans as superficial nothingness takes flight into the abyss of anguish.
A person that refuses to allow the Holy Spirit to open their eyes to truth; making it possible for them to see clearly what the opposite side of good holds for them; blindly pursue foolish and reckless living. They prefer to wallow in degradation and fool themselves into believing that they are having a good time. Their eyes are glazed over with cataracts, formed by the scorching rays of disillusionment and deceit.
Undisciplined, wandering eyes gaze upon the devil’s relentless display of pleasure, fame, and power. That which they are looking at is only a thin-layered surface that disguises the carefully hidden agenda of treachery that lay beneath—arranged to destroy the soul of an unsuspecting, foolish-minded on-looker; as they persist in their pursuit of unchecked behavior.
Straddling the fence with legs dangling on each side—evil and good—causes both legs to go numb as the life flowing blood is cut off. The whole body suffers as a result. When left to dangle too long, the numbness that sets in promotes early signs of decay such as gangrene, and finally death comes, unless intervention takes place. Sin destroys!
The ability to relocate is within the power of any individual that wants to restore health and vitality to themselves. Even though legs and feet may be numb to the point they no longer function as they ought, or move on their own, the Holy Spirit lends strength and potency; providing a shoulder to lean upon, while Jesus takes the failing legs and gently places them in His arms; helping the person off the fence; establishing their feet upon the firm foundation of life. Together they walk in victory on the side of holiness. A person need only call upon the name of Jesus and they will be saved from their dilemma—sin.
Sitting on the fence becomes yesterday’s memory when God removes a person from their place of perching. As the decision to commit one’s life to Christ, and the abiding in God’s standard of living is being fulfilled, all the things that were thought to be beautiful and gratifying; pleasurable and pleasing to sinful eyes, become secondary and trite. A new desire to esteem Jesus as Savior and Lord becomes foremost as they respectfully look into the eyes of Him who set them free from bondage.
When a sinner sees the face of Jesus and finally realizes what they've been missing, the things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. Committing one’s soul into the loving arms of Jesus brings life and restoration to a weary existence. Blinded eyes are opened, which bring focus upon the side of peace, tranquility, hope, strength, direction, and everlasting life. The old nature passes away, and the new person in Christ walks tall and healthy on the side of righteousness.
(2 Corinthians ), “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Written by,
Papa Boyd
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