On the Fence

Valerie Cullers 39 Comments

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Have you ever been on the fence about something? Maybe you couldn’t decide which way to go. Maybe you wanted to make a decision but were afraid. We’ve all been there. Perhaps, you are there right now. Some decisions are easy to make; others not so much, especially when the decisions are life-changing.

Life-changing decisions take a lot of thought. Who am I going to marry? Which job should I take? Where should I live? Should I follow Jesus or not? All of these decisions need to be well thought out before we make them. No one can ultimately make them for us because we are the ones who will have to live with the consequences. 

I remember when I was in a period of my life when I was looking for the Lord. I think I had found the truth about Him but I was afraid to commit to the decision. Why? Because I knew it would have profound consequences for my life. I knew some of my friends and family would reject me if I became a Jesus follower. I knew I would have to change my lifestyle if I did. I didn’t know what my new life would look like and I was hesitant to make the decision, i.e. fully commit to Him.

It took me a few years to finally make that decision. It did have its consequences. Some of my friends did reject me. Some in my family were very disappointed that I didn’t go to the church they did. I did have to change my lifestyle but I am not sorry that I did. Looking back, it turned out to be the best decision I ever made.

Perhaps, you are sitting on the fence at the moment and are trying to decide whether to become a Jesus follower or not. There is nothing wrong with being deliberate about the decision. Jesus himself tells us that we must think about the cost of following Him in Luke 14: 25-32. He uses the examples of a builder and of a king going off to war. Each one must count the cost before he begins his particular undertaking. Likewise, each of us must weigh the cost before committing to follow Him. 

Being a Jesus follower does not always come easy but it is always worth it. I haven’t met one person yet who is sorry they made the decision to follow Him. Anyone will tell you that the benefits far outweigh the price we must pay. Even those living in countries where they pay the ultimate price for following Jesus are willing to do it for the joy He gives them. And that is not even mentioning the eternal benefits waiting for those that follow Him.

Are you on the fence at the moment? Fine, consider the cost but don’t take forever to make your decision. The world is changing quickly and the longer you take the harder it will be to follow Him. I urge you to come to Him while there is still time; it will be well worth it in the end.

Image by Killing Time. Courtesy of Pixabay

39 thoughts on “On the Fence”

  7. I’m late to the conversation. The decision to follow Jesus is not made lightly by some and then others are struck by lightening and have an immediate conversion experience. I think it is good either way because the end result is the same…

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  8. The trouble is, once we know we’re on the fence, it’s a most uncomfortable place to sit! Despite that, I’m not good at making decisions, because I tend to see both sides of everything… in terms of accepting the love of God – now that was different – it was a no-brainer!!! Do you want to be loved and have it all?…

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  9. Good! Yes, count the cost, but time is short. None of us knows if we have tomorrow. A delay could cost one his life for eternity. But, a superficial decision is the same as no decision at all. Following Jesus means we deny self, take up our cross daily, die daily to sin, and we follow him in obedience to his commands.

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  12. “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back!” One of the first songs I learned when I made my adult decision. Best decision ever! 🙂 Next, I got baptized which was a surprise to my family because I was “baptized” as an infant. Babies cannot make that decision, it is something everyone needs to make for themself. God is not a grandfather, He is our Father!

    ❤️carmen

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  14. Thank you for your article. I love the fact that you used “Jesus follower” instead of “Christian”. Following means something drastically different than merely claiming a label. You’re right in saying no one ever regrets the decision to follow Jesus. I’m a satisfied customer!

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  15. I was on the fence for a while. I would pick and choose which scriptures I would read. 😂
    I wanted to live the way I wanted to live, but my heart was saying something else.

    I didn’t know Jesus had chosen me.

    Also, before I came down off the fence, people acted like you have to be perfect to follow Christ.
    But the more I studied, the more I learned He wanted my whole life with all its assets and liabilities.
    He likes to use messed up people like myself.
    God has already defeated the devil; all I needed to do was choose the winning side of the fence.
    Great post!

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  16. Thank you for sharing such a truthful and encouraging invitation to follow Christ. Yes, it will cost us some things. That is the truth. Some friends and family members keep their distance because of my faith and how it has transformed my life. But Jesus is worth it all! Praying for many to see Him and surrender to Him, for the time is growing very short.

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