The Neutral Strip

This column first appeared on March 28, 2001.

I am a native of the Neutral Strip. Let me explain. In 1803, the Unites States bought Louisiana from France. This territory, known as the Louisiana Purchase, included “all the land drained by the Mississippi River.” When the Americans asked the French about the exact western boundary of this land, the French were very vague. A definite boundary of Louisiana had not been determined. The Spaniards, who controlled Texas at the time, considered the western boundary of Louisiana to be the Red River. The Americans claimed it to be the Sabine River. Finally, in 1806, the American general James Wilkinson met with the Spanish commander to work out an agreement. Since the two could not decide whether the western boundary of Louisiana was the Red River or the Sabine River, the area between these two rivers was declared to be a neutral strip.

From 1806 to 1820, this area was referred to as “The Neutral Strip.” It soon attracted all kinds of people who were eager to take advantage of a land without law enforcement. It was not until 1820 that the western boundary of Louisiana was set at the Sabine River and the Neutral Strip faded into history.

My ancestors lived in this neutral strip of land, and I was born and reared there myself. It has had its effect on me. I keep detecting this strong streak in me that wants to remain neutral. I often find it easier to duck decisions than make them.

I am in sympathy with the young baseball umpire who was calling his first game. Unfortunately, the game was very close, the fans were vocal, and the managers were menacing. It was the bottom of the ninth, the score was tied, there were two outs, and the bases were loaded. The count on the batter was 1-1. The pitcher reared back and hummed a fast ball toward the plate. The batter did not swing, and the young umpire roared, “TWO!” With that, both managers came running toward the plate, stood on either side of the rookie umpire and demanded in unison, “Two what?” The young umpire took a deep breath and said, “Too close to call.”

It is tempting in life for us to refuse to make a decision--remain neutral. Those who have made the most impact for Christ have been those who have been willing to abandon the “Neutral Strip” and take a definite stand.

Moses was such a man. Dwight L. Moody said that when Moses first undertook the task of delivering Israel from slavery (by killing the Egyptian who was mistreating the Israelite) he “looked this way and that” (Ex. 2:12). But after his encounter with God at the burning bush he looked only one way, God’s way. That’s the way we ought to look. If you are currently living in the “Neutral Strip,” I encourage to make a move to the land of His Lordship!