Revelations 3:15-16 (NLT)
"I know all things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! But since you are lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!"
Fence Riders are those who try to live half in the world and half for God. They act as chameleons, blending with the surroundings. These people attend church regular and appear as though they love God while among fellow Christians. While among the non-believers, they change their facade. Fence riders hold on to God for security and blessing and to the world for their non-committed side that succumbs to the desires of the flesh. Fence Riders would be classified as the lukewarm Christian.
God says in His word that he would rather us be hot or cold, not lukewarm. The lukewarm aspect causes such disgust that it literally makes Him vomit/spew. If the lukewarm Christian is that repulsive to induce spewing, surely they will have no place in the kingdom of Heaven. It is something to think about.
We also read in the Bible that it is impossible to serve two masters. Fence Riders try to serve both God and the world (Satan's empire). Christ is looking for those sold-out to Him, who are living and working for Him. Those who are living In the world, but not of the world. We must be a separate people. We must show commitment to the one true God. We cannot live in hypocrisy. Walk in the ways of God, deny yourself, and crucify the flesh. Don't straddle the fence.
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Good article. For those who have 'straddled' a fence in the natural and have 'straddled' for some length of time they finally realize just how uncomfortable it is and sooner or later they will get off the fence on one side or the other and walking may not be very comfortable for a time either. One day, speaking from the spiritual side, those on the fence will come off to one side or the other; we pray they will choose the right side sooner and walk with JESUS.
Thanks for sharing your reflections with us. I really enjoyed your article. I wrote something along similar lines titled "Bet Hedgers" about people who don't believe in God but still ask you to pray for them when they are sick. Bet Hedging doesn't work any better than Fence Straddling.
Jerry
