Everyone has a certain amount of personal space that they monitor. We don’t feel comfortable when people “violate” that space. A warning goes off in our head, alerting us to defend that zone with a response appropriate to the level of discomfort we experience from the intruder.  It could be as simple as taking a step backwards, to an all out physical assault if we believe that our life is in danger. Our amount of “personal space” can be culturally induced, but sometimes it’s just a matter of personal preference.
 
This concept of “personal space” can also be seen in other areas of our life. Invisible lines are drawn around what we consider “acceptable” behavior. When we find ourselves in situations that “cross our line” we may be a little more subtle in our actions, since we live in a world that preaches the mantra of “toleration” and “acceptance”, but we still feel the sting. So where do we “draw the line” of what’s appropriate? It may sound simplistic, but I believe the answer to that question is available from God. Through prayer, reading of the Bible and the leading of the Holy Spirit; we have access to all of the knowledge and wisdom we will ever need. However, there are a few things you need to understand about setting the “line”.
 
First, as we grow in our relationship with Christ the line will move. We have all experienced the humbling realization that behavior we once thought was acceptable is now not even close to being appropriate. Spiritual growth is a process. Just as some people mature faster physically; some people will mature faster spiritually. We need to be careful about condemning those ahead or behind us in the journey; but instead prayerfully consider where God is leading us to draw the line. The last word of caution is that we need to be careful about living on the edge. The edge in this case is sin. Our goal should be to “live above the line”. God’s grace and mercy are free gifts, but our response should be living our lives in the constant pursuit of holiness. Consider how to “live above the line” in the following areas.
 
Habits are what we do without even thinking. They are ingrained in us by the shear repetition of our actions. What do you do out of habit?  Evaluate these habits in light of the following passage.
 
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
 
Emotions are like the tide; sometimes they are running high and sometimes they are very low. When we react to our circumstances out of our emotions we can cause a lot of pain to those around us. Examine the source of your emotions before you speak.
 
“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45
 
Actions display our true feelings. Jesus didn’t leave any “gray” area in how we are to conduct ourselves. Our first priority is to God; but we must also have the “heart” of God in our dealings with others. How is your relationship with God right now? How about your relationship with others; friends, family, coworkers and strangers?
 
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27
   
Relationships are powerful influences in our lives.  We can “soar with eagles” or “gobble with turkeys”. It’s a matter of choice. We need to understand who influences us for good, who we need to keep at a distance, and who are we able to influence in a positive way. Think about your relationships. Who is influencing you for better or worse? Who are you influencing in a positive way?
  
“He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Proverbs 13:20
   
Thoughts are a reservoir of great potential; for good or bad. We need to consistently be filling our minds with good things. It’s easy to be negative; especially if your personality type tends to look at the glass “half empty”. However, you can develop a new “habit” of looking at things in a positive or “half full” set of eyes. You just need to catch yourself every time you start being negative and consciously verbalize the positive angle.
   
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
 
 
“Living Above The Line” isn’t easy, but it does have a reward. When we consistently make the right choices in our “Habits, Emotions, Actions, Relationships and Thoughts” we begin to experience the “heart” of God. Life isn’t necessarily better, but we are able to cope with situations with confidence knowing that God is with us. Consider each point and “check your pulse”. How are you doing? Are you “living above the line” or is the line somewhere in the distance? Celebrate your strengths, evaluate your weaknesses and make plans to experience the heart of God!
 
Del Brixey
“Living above the Line”         
 
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