There is no fence with God

Imagine this:

All the people of the entire world are seated on a fence. It is flat and white, planted firmly on a grassy field that stretches on as far as the eye can see. It is the time for a decision.

Jesus approached the fence on one side. He says to all the people seated there, “Come, follow me! I will love you more than you can possibly imagine. I can’t promise that you will get everything you want, but I can promise you that what my Father has planned for you is better than anything you can imagine. I will give you my love, my grace, and eternal life. Just turn away from the things of this world, take up your crosses, and trust in Me.”

After hearing his words, many people immediately jumped off the fence, and followed Jesus.

Then the devil approached the fence on the other side. He said to all the people seated there, “Come with me! I will give you everything you want in this world. I will make you famous, I will make you rich, beautiful, and in charge of your own life. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want. There are no rules. Just follow me, and I will make you king of the world. I will make it all about YOU.”

After hearing these words, a great many people jumped off the fence, and followed the devil.

There were still many people left on the fence. Jesus once again approached the fence, and spread a message of love, and trust in God. More people followed Jesus.

Then the devil also approached the fence, and spread his message of luxury, indulgence, and self-love. More people followed the devil as well.

This pattern went on between Jesus and the devil until there was only one man left sitting on the fence.

Jesus approached the man, a loving smile in his eyes, and said, “My precious child, come, follow me. I will love you more than you can possibly imagine. My Father, who is your Father too, has a wonderful life waiting for you. But first you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me. I cannot promise you a life without suffering or ridicule; you may not get what you want. But I can promise you that I will never leave you, and that I will be forever by your side.”

Then the devil, becoming incensed and angry, said to the man, “Don’t listen to him! Who wants a life of suffering, of being tied down to a God who won’t even give you what you want? You know what is best for you. So follow me, because I can give you everything you want. You don’t need God to tell you what to do! I can give you everything in the world, from money and women to fame and glory. Just come and follow me!”

The man thought for a moment, and then said, “Jesus, it’s great that you would love me. It’s good to know I’d never be alone. I would like to see what God has planned for me, but I don’t want to suffer. Devil, I’ve heard you are a deceiver. So how can I know if what you said is true? All the same, I would like to be rich and famous, and do whatever I want. But I’m not sure who to follow. So here is my decision: I can’t decide. I think I’m good without either of you; I’m just going to stay right here on this fence.”

At his words the devil smiled and said, “Good choice. I own the fence.”