Living life above the Line ?

Early one morning recently as I was headed to work, I recalled several instances of God’s work in my life recently that came together in that moment providing a sense of peace, security, comfort, contentment. As I reflected on these moments, I wondered, what it would take to live in this peace, contentment, security, step by step, moment by moment, in everyday life.  Sure, I have a sense of God’s presence in my life, day to day, but honestly not as often in the way that this moment struck me.  As I pondered this experience, Dan Stone’s book, "The Rest of the Gospel", came to mind and the concept he put forward of “living above the line” seemed to resonate with what I was experiencing. 

In his book Dan Stone talks about living “above the line” as living with an awareness of the unseen, eternal realm where Christ lives in us.  Where our identity is secure and where peace does not depend on circumstances.  Where we live from the truth of our spiritual union with Christ.  Paul wrote about this reality when he wrote of a hidden life in Christ, a mind set on things above, and strength found not in striving but in surrender.  He understood something profound about living the Christian life.  Despite hardships, shipwrecks, betrayal, and prison, he wrote with peace and confidence.  Paul had learned to live from a deeper reality—one that Dan Stone wrote about as living life 'above the line.'

Re-reading Dan Stone's book, the following points stood out as he talked about "living above the line" (Coupled with Paul's teaching) ;

You Are Already Joined

Dan Stone wrote we don't become more spiritual by trying harder—we already have Christ's life within us. Paul reminds us, 'He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him' (1 Corinthians 6:17). Above the line, you are never alone, never disconnected. Living from union means we begin each day with the truth: 'Christ is in me, and I am in Him.'

Let Christ Be the Life

How many of us live as if the Christian life depends on our effort ? Paul wrote, 'It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me' (Galatians 2:20). Dan Stone describes this as Christ expressing His life through you. Living above the line means shifting from striving to surrender. Instead of asking what do I need to do, changing the question to “Lord, what do You want to do through me today?”

Set Your Mind on Things Above

Stone emphasizes the importance of renewing our focus—living by faith in what’s eternally true. Paul wrote, 'Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God' (Colossians 3:2-3).

Learning Contentment in Christ

Dan Stone calls us to rest. Paul said, 'I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation... I can do all this through Him who gives me strength' (Philippians 4:12-13). Living above the line doesn’t mean escaping hardship—it means drawing life from a deeper well.

Press On from a Place of Rest

Stone reminds us that even as we grow, we don’t press on in our own strength. Paul says, 'Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead... I press on toward the goal to win the prize' (Philippians 3:13-14). Above the line, we move forward not to earn God's favor, but because we already have it.

All very good reminders to keep our eyes, heart, and mind, set on things above, not on earthly things and to trust in God who is in you, acknowledging him in all your ways.

Living Life above the line.