The Blue and Gray Dilemma: Why Trying to Fit In Can Cost You Everything
There is a story about a Civil War soldier who had a peculiar strategy for survival. This Confederate soldier thought one day that he would put on a blue Union coat and gray Confederate trousers. What this soldier thought was that if he would do this it might shield him from enemy fire. Surely, he reasoned, neither side would target someone who appears to be one of their own. With his disguise complete he decided to test his theory out. So the soldier tiptoed out onto the field, confident in his clever camouflage. The result, was not what he expected! A barrage of bullets from both sides came hurling at him. His failed attempt to appease everyone left him vulnerable to everyone. I shared this story because I believe it paints a vivid picture of the perilous path of compromise, especially when it comes to our Christian faith. The desire to fit in, to avoid conflict, to find common ground can be a powerful lure. One that many find themse...