The Devil Owns the Fence

I came across a quote the other day that stopped me in my tracks:

“The devil owns the fence.”

It made me realize, if we’re honest, so many of us live on that fence.

In a world full of temptation and blurred lines, we often find ourselves asking questions like, “How far is too far?” or “Is this really a sin?” We justify small compromises, telling ourselves, “I’m still on God’s side,” while our hearts quietly drift further away from Him.

However, we need to understand that the fence doesn’t belong to God. It belongs to the enemy.

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When We Try to Live in the Middle

The Bible tells a story in 1 Kings 18, where the prophet Elijah stands before the people of Israel and challenges them with a question:

“How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”

— 1 Kings 18:21 (NIV)

Israel had one foot in worshiping God and another in following Baal. They were living life on the fence, trying to claim God’s name without truly giving Him their loyalty.

Elijah’s challenge wasn’t just about idols; it was about devotion. The people were lukewarm, divided in their hearts, and unwilling to make a clear choice.

And that’s precisely where the enemy wants us: undecided, half-committed, and spiritually numb.

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The Fence Isn’t Neutral Ground

We like to think the fence is safe ground, not fully in the world, but not fully surrendered to God either. But the fence isn’t neutral. It’s deception disguised as comfort.

When we sit on the fence, we’re not avoiding sin; we’re aligning ourselves with compromise.

And compromise is the soil where sin quietly grows.

Jesus made it clear in Matthew 12:30,

“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

There’s no middle ground in the Kingdom. You’re either standing with God or you’re giving space to the enemy.

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Why the Fence Feels Comfortable

Let’s be honest, the fence feels safe because it keeps us in control. It allows us to follow Jesus just enough to ease our conscience, while still holding onto the world just enough to satisfy our desires.

But that’s not surrender, that’s self-deception.

The enemy isn’t afraid of Christians who sit on the fence, because fence-sitters are silent, stagnant, and powerless. What he fears are believers who are fully surrendered, boldly standing on God’s side, even when it’s uncomfortable.

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Stepping Off the Fence

If you’ve found yourself stuck on that fence, in compromise, lukewarm faith, or hidden sin, it’s not too late to move.

Here’s how we step off the fence and back into full surrender:

1. Acknowledge the compromise.

Be honest about the areas where you’ve been trying to live in both worlds. Confession brings freedom.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…” — 1 John 1:9

2. Renew your devotion.

Choose daily to follow Jesus with your whole heart, not just when it’s easy.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” — Matthew 22:37

3. Guard your influences.

The fence often looks appealing because of what we surround ourselves with.

Evaluate what voices, media, or relationships are pulling you away from God’s truth.

4. Stay close to His Word.

God’s Word draws a clear line between light and darkness. The more we read it, the clearer the line becomes.

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A Call to Choose

In Revelation 3:15-16, Jesus says to the church of Laodicea,

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

It’s a hard truth, but it’s also a merciful wake-up call. God doesn’t want half of your heart; He wants all of you because full surrender is where peace, power, and purpose are found.

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So today, let this be your reminder: if you’re on the fence, it’s time to move. The devil may own the fence, but victory belongs to the ones who step off it and stand fully with Christ.

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15