No Spiritual Switzerlands

In 1815, Switzerland created the world’s oldest policy of military neutrality. Impressively, Switzerland has not participated in a foreign war since! When it comes to the cosmic spiritual battle, though, there is no “Switzerland”. There is no neutrality, there are only two sides; light and dark, good and evil. This is something that every Christian should be aware of. If we are with Jesus, we are on the side of good, if we are not with Jesus we are on the side of evil. That isn’t harsh or over the top… it’s true.

Many people read Jesus’ statement in Luke 11:23 “Whoever is not with me is against me” and they compare it with a statement Jesus made earlier in Luke 9:50, “the one who is not against you is for you.” At first glance, these two statements from Jesus seem to be confusing, even contradictory. When we understand the context, though, it all makes perfect sense. In both instances, the statements Jesus makes are referring to spiritual battles. In one instance, someone is chasing out demons in Jesus’ name, and in the other, Jesus is chasing out demons himself. You see, Jesus understands that there are no neutral spiritual sides, no spiritual Switzerlands, there are only two sides. Just two. Jesus speaks to this fact. “Whoever is not with me is against me”: if you are not on the side of Jesus you are on the only other side, which is against Him. “The one who is not against you is for you”: if someone is not against your side, they are on the only other side, which is your own.

Jesus challenges us to examine where we stand, He leaves no room for neutrality; there are only two sides. We are either for Him or against Him in the spiritual battle happening all around us. We serve the side of good and advance His kingdom through obedience, while we fight against Him through disobedience. That’s not to say we will always be perfect in obeying God; on this side of Heaven, perfect obedience is impossible. It is to say that our actions and attitudes reveal where we truly stand. There is no middle ground. We are either building with Christ or we will scatter in opposition before Him.

Questions to ask yourself:

1. Are there inconsistencies in my behavior or attitudes that might suggest I’m not fully aligned with Christ?

2. What role can I play in furthering Jesus’ kingdom and working to further His mission on earth?

What’s next?

1. Reflect on areas in your life where you may have been straddling the line or avoiding a firm commitment to Jesus. Decide today to take a stand for Him, acknowledging that there’s no neutral ground. Choose to follow Him wholeheartedly in both your actions and attitudes.

Pray this prayer

Jesus, thank you for revealing that there are only two spiritual sides and there is no middle ground when it comes to following you. Lord, help me to make a clear choice to stand with you, to gather with you, and actively participate in your kingdom. If I have any divided loyalties I pray you convict me of them and help me leave them behind.