Stepping Away from the Edge

When we think of someone that lives life on the edge, we often imagine a person that flirts with danger. They pride themselves in pushing boundaries and usually think living that way is something to be proud of. They enjoy living with a kind of reckless freedom, and although it sounds exciting on the surface, it can be exhausting. This kind of lifestyle can leave a person feeling empty and lonely. It’s even more dangerous if we try to apply it to our walk with the Lord. When we treat His grace like a safety net for our poor and careless choices, we are not understanding it clearly. God’s grace is a gift that calls us to be wholeheartedly committed to Him. If we’re trying to live on the edge spiritually, having one foot in the door and one out, we’re wasting precious resources. It may look bold, but it points to heart that isn’t fully surrendered to God.

The Edge Isn’t Safe, It’s Shaky

Proverbs 14:12 (NLT) tells us, “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” This verse hits deep, because let’s be honest—sometimes we really do think we’re on the right track. “I’m walking by faith,” we tell ourselves. It looks good, feels right, and we think we’re getting a pass, but we’re deceiving ourselves. If we’re not careful, we’ll start following our own version of truth instead of letting God’s Word lead us. This is the most dangerous path of all. It’s seems right to us, but we end up living reckless, playing right into the enemy’s hands. We should realize that he looks for any opportunity to snatch the Word from our hearts and lead us to destruction.

Living on the edge might feel bold, but if God ain’t in it, it’s dangerous. Real freedom comes when we stop chasing what looks good and start walking in what is good—God’s truth, God’s way, and a heart that’s fully surrendered to Him.

It’s easy to believe we’ve got a handle on things. We think, “I can manage this. I know my limits.” That’s the self-talk that bypasses the Lord’s guidance. It seems right to us in the moment to cut corners, keeping just a little sin on the side, and ignoring God's nudge. We have to recognize that the “edge” always looks more stable than it actually is. You think you’re fine until your foot slips.

Jesus Didn’t Die for Halfway

The Words of our Master Jesus in Revelation 3:16 (NLT) to the church in Laodicea should forever be imprinted on our minds and hearts: “So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I will spit you out of my mouth!” This one is no joke. Jesus was calling out the Laodicean church for being spiritually lukewarm—comfortable, self-sufficient, and indifferent. They weren’t fully surrendered, but they weren’t totally against Him either. It was that in-between state that so many try to hide out in. We must remember that He found it unacceptable.

When we try to live just close enough to God so we can look Christian, and still be close enough to the world to fit in, we’re living lukewarm. And Jesus makes it clear—lukewarm doesn’t cut it. Don’t misunderstand, He’s not angry, but He didn’t die for halfway. He gave everything for us. Why would we only give Him what’s leftover after we’ve flirted with the world?

Living on the edge of faith is like being in a relationship with someone but you’re still scrolling through dating apps. It’s unfaithful. It says, “I want the benefits of commitment without the sacrifice of loyalty.” That’s not who we should be as God’s called-out ones. We owe Him so much more than half-hearted devotion. He gave everything for us. The least we can do is give Him our full “yes.”

Purpose Isn’t Found on the Edge

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) tells us, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” This is another powerful truth that should motivate us to seek the Father every moment of each day. It’s shuts down every lie that tells us we’re supposed to be out here winging it. We serve an on-purpose God who made us His on-purpose people. God didn’t make you to waste your life in spiritual limbo. You’re His masterpiece. You were handcrafted, not for the edge, but for the center of His Will. That’s where your purpose lives.

Know this: the enemy doesn’t have to destroy you—he just has to distract you. If you’re busy teetering between light and dark, you’ll never step fully into the good things God has for you. That’s why lukewarm living is so dangerous. It keeps you stuck in the middle—looking spiritual but never truly surrendered. And while you’re caught up in the in-between, the masterpiece God designed you to be starts collecting dust. The plans, the purpose, the power He gave you in Christ? They don’t go away—but they stay locked up while you’re distracted by things that don’t even matter in the end and have nothing to do with your purpose.

God designed the universe in such a way that it doesn’t tolerate ambiguity. Jesus makes it plain in Matthew 6:24—nobody can serve two masters. We’ll either love one and hate the other, or the other way around. So let’s stop trying to live on the edge. That’s no place for the pure in heart. Let’s be real with God. He didn’t call us to dabble or play both sides. James 1:8 (NLT) talks about the double-minded: “Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.” That’s not who we’re called to be. Our Heavenly Father deserves our full commitment, and we need to give it to Him. He’s calling us to walk boldly, fully, and faithfully into the plan He has for us, and that’s where we’ll discover every good thing we’ve been searching for. ■

Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

“Stepping Away from the Edge”, written by Vince Mack. Blessing Beads and More© 2025. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.