Living Above The Snake Line: A Call to Elevated Christian Living

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, where cultural pressures and moral ambiguities seem to lurk around every corner, it's easy for even the most faithful among us to feel ensnared. As conservative Christians, we hold dear the timeless truths of Scripture, standing firm against the tides of relativism and secularism. Today, I invite you to reflect on a powerful message drawn from Colossians 1:9-17—a passage that calls us to rise above the dangers of worldly compromise and live in the elevated realm of Christ's supremacy. This blog post expands on a recent homily I shared, using the metaphor of the "snake line" to illustrate our spiritual journey. Just as mountaineers know that venomous snakes can't survive above a certain elevation, so too are we called to ascend beyond the perils of sin and darkness.

Understanding the Snake Line Metaphor

Picture this: In the Appalachian Mountains or the Rockies, hikers often speak of the "snake line"—that invisible altitude threshold where the cold air and thin oxygen make it impossible for poisonous reptiles to thrive. Below it, the path is treacherous, filled with hidden dangers that can strike without warning. Above it, however, the landscape opens up to breathtaking vistas, fresh air, and safety from those lowland threats.

This imagery perfectly captures the essence of Paul's prayer and exhortation in Colossians 1:9-17. Writing to a church facing false teachings and worldly influences—much like the challenges we face today in defending biblical values on issues like marriage, life, and religious liberty—Paul urges believers to live "above the snake line." He begins with a fervent prayer: "We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives" (v. 9). In our conservative Christian circles, we recognize that this isn't about chasing trendy philosophies or "progressive" interpretations of Scripture. No, it's about the Holy Spirit granting us discernment rooted in God's inerrant Word. Below the snake line, society peddles confusion—gender ideologies, abortion rights as "healthcare," and the erosion of family structures. But above it, we gain clarity to navigate these with biblical conviction.

 The Marks of Elevated Living

Paul doesn't stop at prayer; he outlines a life "worthy of the Lord" (v. 10), marked by four key elements that propel us upward.

First, bearing fruit in every good work. This is active, not passive. In the fertile soil above the snake line, our lives produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). For us as conservatives, this means more than personal piety—it's defending truth in the public arena. Think of homeschooling families teaching biblical worldview to the next generation, or activists lobbying for pro-life legislation. Are we content with the barren weeds of complacency, or are we cultivating orchards of righteousness? I've seen this in my own community here in Indianapolis, where local churches organize food drives and voter education sessions, bearing tangible fruit amid economic hardships.

Second, growing in the knowledge of God. This is a continual climb. In an era of soundbite theology and social media snippets, we must commit to deep study. As conservatives, we cherish the historic faith—sola Scriptura, the creeds, and doctrinal purity. This growth shields us from the serpents of heresy, like prosperity gospels or watered-down evangelism that avoids sin's reality. Dive into commentaries, join a men's or women's Bible study, and let God's Word transform you from the inside out.

Third, being strengthened with all power for endurance and patience (v. 11). Life's trials—persecution from big tech censorship, legal battles over faith-based businesses, or cultural mockery—can wear us down below the line. But drawing from God's "glorious might," we endure. Recall the early church under Roman oppression; they thrived because their power source was divine. Today, with rising hostility toward conservative values, this strength is our lifeline. I've witnessed it in friends who lost jobs for standing on biblical principles yet persevered with joy, knowing Christ sustains them.

Fourth, giving joyful thanks to the Father (v. 12). Gratitude isn't optional; it's the breath of the heights. It reminds us we've been "qualified" by grace to inherit the kingdom of light—not by our merits, but by Christ's work. Ingratitude poisons like venom, breeding discontent. But thanksgiving fosters resilience, especially when we thank God for victories like recent Supreme Court decisions upholding religious freedoms.

 The Great Rescue and Christ's Supremacy

At the heart of this elevation is God's rescue: "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves" (v. 13). We were once captives below the snake line, under Satan's sway—the "ancient serpent" of Genesis 3. But through redemption and forgiveness (v. 14), Christ has lifted us. As conservatives, we affirm this as substitutionary atonement: Jesus' blood paid our debt, a truth we proclaim unapologetically against universalist dilutions.

Paul culminates with Christ's preeminence (vv. 15-17): "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." He's not a mere prophet or teacher—He's Creator, Sustainer, Lord over all. In Him, "all things hold together." This counters modern idols: evolution without a Creator, government as savior, or self as supreme. For us, it means submitting every area—politics, education, entertainment—to His rule. In a divided nation, this unity in Christ is our anchor.

Applying This to Our Daily Walk

So, how do we live above the snake line? Start with self-examination: Are worldly snares pulling you down—perhaps through media consumption or compromised relationships? Repent and ascend via daily prayer and Scripture immersion. Commit to community: Engage in church accountability groups to foster growth and fruit-bearing. Rely on His power during trials, and cultivate gratitude through journaling God's blessings.

In closing, brothers and sisters, let's heed Paul's call. The view from above is glorious—free from sin's bite, filled with purpose. As we face 2026's uncertainties, may we live elevated, proclaiming Christ's supremacy in word and deed.

What steps will you take today to climb higher? Share in the comments below—I'd love to hear your thoughts.

*Grace and peace,*  

DMMC 

2-1-26