Straddling the Fence

The Most Dangerous Condition for a Christian

Not too long ago, in a book that I read, the author quoted an illustration penned by a man named Isaac Rankin. Rankin wrote that just outside of his window was a large wire that carried a heavy current of electricity for light and power. It was insulated at every pole and was out of common reach. However, he said that if one could lean out far enough to grasp it, death would be as swift as a lightning stroke. He also went on to note that, interestingly, doves suffered no harm when they perched on the wire. They preen in safety and contentment on the cables because they touch nothing else when touching the wire. However, a man reaching out of his window would find the walls acting as a ground. The current would turn his body into a channel through which electricity would flow in damaging power. But the doves, because of the fact that they rest wholly upon the wire, they remain unharmed. Rankin further observes, “God would have us seek our safety in complete surrender to His power and love. It is when we reach one hand to Him while still holding fast to some forbidden thing with the other that we are in danger.” I agree wholeheartedly with Rankin’s observations.

The worst condition that a Christian can be in is the condition that Rankin describes in his illustration. It is dangerous for Christians to be in a condition where they are trying to hold on to both their way and God’s way. It is dangerous for Christians to be in a condition where they are trying to hold on to both the world and the kingdom of God. God’s word teaches us that there must be a decision made — a choice between the two —  because there is only one way that leads us away from death and toward eternal life, and that’s God’s way (Prov. 14:12, Jeremiah 10:23, John 14:6). Therefore, let us heed the inspired wisdom proclaimed to us by King Solomon in Proverbs 3:5-8, where he writes, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in our own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.” Just like those doves on the power line, let us strive to rely solely upon God in our lives, because now we know the danger we can put ourselves in if we don’t.

— Brother Sam Barclay