Living Lessons on Setting the MindSample

How we handle emotions and how circumstances appear to us greatly affect the intimacy we have with Jesus. In this verse, Paul teaches us how to handle our feelings and circumstances in a way that builds strong, healthy relationships.  Paul tells us to “look not at the things which are seen,” but instead to focus on “the things which are not seen.” The perspective from which we are looking at our circumstances is vitally important because we will interpret the reality of our circumstances depending on how we look at them.

Our friend Dan Stone called these two views of our current circumstances: “above the line” or “below the line.” Let’s look at a chart that will show us some other synonyms we can use to describe each realm:

Eternal (above); invisible; changeless; timeless; ultimate reality; complete, finished, and whole

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Temporal (below); visible; temporary; natural; created; appearances; beginning and end; time

As we can see, things above the line are attributes of God and often have to be believed by faith. They are not tangible. Below the line characteristics are easier to observe and can make us believe that they are truer than what God says because they are tangible. Conquering this struggle to believe the eternal and invisible as ultimate reality over what we can see and touch will increase the trust and intimacy we have with Jesus.

Here are three ways that living “above the line” will increase intimacy. First, God designed the world to work by faith as we looked at in the Faith chapter. When you look at the diagram above, you can see that Jesus lived His life “above the line” doing what He saw the Father do. As Jesus lived His life, the Father’s heart became visible as Jesus healed people and raised the dead; as He fed multitudes and He walked with His men. Jesus wants to live through us today, continuing to do through us what He sees the Father doing.

Second, when we distinguish the two realms it helps us understand our true identity in Christ as we looked at in the Grace and Union chapter. It helps us separate who we are from what we do, freeing us to live and walk in Christ. When we see our circumstances from above the line, it helps keep them in perspective and they are less overwhelming. Living above the line makes relationships better because we see others the way God sees them.

Third, living above the line brings more fulfillment in life because God designed us to get our satisfaction from Him. There is no pleasure or person below the line that will truly satisfy. There is nothing below the line that equals true life that can only be found in God and His Son. 

When we look at circumstances in our lives from “above the line,” they may not feel or look true in the moment. I’ve found God to be faithful when I choose to believe what is “above the line”’ over what is visible “below the line.” In 1984 while our family was living financially dependent on God for any income, three of us spent time in the hospital that year for one reason or another. I wondered if we should stop doing ministry and find a job with a paycheck. After discussing the possibility of looking for a job, we decided to hold on to this verse in Second Corinthians because we wanted to get our satisfaction from God. In a few short months, God provided all the money needed to pay off the hospital bills—and confirmed we were to continue to minister and trust Him for our income.  

Application: 

What circumstances are you facing that pull at you to decide that “reality” is what you can see and touch? Can you draw a line in the air and tell Jesus you want to live “above the line” and trust Him? Make that choice and talk to Him about your needs.  Let Him reassure you that He is with you, that you are valuable and loved, and that He alone brings you satisfaction.