Two Ways to Live: There's No Neutral Ground

We wanted to write an article today that will be helpful in your journey towards healing. We often hear of people letting in the world's siren song of neutrality: living for God on a Sunday at church, and simply going about "our" business the rest of the week like we are good people, who's mission is indistigishable from the world's. This article should shed some light for you on what God desires for us, 7 days per week.

The Bible lays out a stark and sobering truth: there are only two ways to live—either for God or for Satan. There is no third way.

“We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” —1 John 5:18–19

Or as CS Lewis says it:

“There is no neutral ground in the universe: every square inch, every split second is claimed by God and counter-claimed by Satan.”

The whole world. Not just part of it. Not just the “bad parts.” The whole world is under the control of the evil one. That includes systems, cultures, ideologies, entertainment, power structures, and even morally “neutral” spaces that seem harmless. If we are not rooted in Christ, we are swept into a current ruled by Satan himself.

There Is No Spiritual Switzerland

We imagine that not choosing sides is safe—that we can simply be good, moral, well-intentioned people without surrendering our hearts to Jesus. But Scripture makes it clear: there is no such thing as spiritual neutrality.

Whether you acknowledge it or not, you are living under one of two claims. Your thoughts, your time, your money, your sexuality, your influence—it all either belongs to the Kingdom of God or is being pulled deeper into darkness.

“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” —James 4:4

Strong language, but necessary words. Because we can’t afford to make peace with what’s killing us. The kingdom of darkness doesn’t come dressed in red with horns—it comes in compromise, apathy, distraction, and half-heartedness. It comes in lives that avoid deep surrender and instead settle for comfortable, cultural Christianity.

Rescued and Re-rooted

But God doesn’t just warn us—He rescues us.

“He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” —Colossians 1:13–14

He didn’t negotiate with the darkness. He rescued us out of it. He transferred us into His kingdom—where we have redemption, where our sin is forgiven, where we now live under His reign of mercy and righteousness.

To remain in that kingdom is to remain in Christ.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” —John 15:5

Neutrality is not fruitfulness. Trying to live “in between” ends up spiritually barren. We bear fruit when we are vitally connected to Jesus—living in Him, depending on Him, obeying Him. There is no spiritual life apart from Him. There is only drift. And drift always takes you downstream toward darkness.

Covered, Not Comfortable

Some think full surrender will lead to restriction. But the truth is, surrender leads to security.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty… He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.” —Psalm 91:1,4

The world can’t give that kind of refuge. It offers escape, distraction, and self-sufficiency—but never rest. Only in the shelter of the Most High do we find true safety. And only in total surrender do we find true peace.

So here is the truth: there are only two ways to live. You are either living under the claim of Christ or the counter-claim of Satan. The decisions you make today—the way you speak to your spouse, how you use your phone, what you believe about your identity, your money, your mission—are spiritual territory. Every square inch matters.

Questions for Discussion:

1. What lies have I believed about neutrality or “spiritual independence,” and how have those shaped my habits and choices?

2. What would it look like to truly abide in Christ daily—not just in belief, but in my actions, thoughts, and desires? Think about the areas I know I could do differently but I don't think I've got it in me to change or that God cares too much about.

3. In what areas of my life am I still trying to hold onto control rather than fully coming under God’s claim and authority?