“Is this a hill I am willing to die on?
Is this a cause worth my time, my energy and my resources? Is this a truth or principle that is so important that I cannot back down, whatever the cost?
The term, “Is this a hill a hill I am willing to die on?, or the question to others, “Is this a hill that you are willing to die on?” is really a military term.
It is a reference to defending a “hill” not taking a “hill.” It is about what we defend, not about what we seek to obtain. Is this hill, this position, so important to defend, that I am prepared to lay down my life for it? Or, should we simply retreat?
As a rule, as we grow and age, we are willing to “die” on fewer hills than before. We have perhaps learned that some positions we have defended really are not significant in the grand scheme of things. Styles of worship music. Pews vs chairs for seating. Hymnals vs Overhead projector or PowerPoint are among some of the “hills” I have engaged entrenched defenders of tradition over the years. All defenders were sincere, but none of the positions was of urgency to the Faith or our mission.
There are a few hills that are worth defending! The Gospel. The integrity and authority of the Word of God. Character and Integrity. Finishing well. Yes, finishing well.
One of my most challenging experiences as a pastor was to be engaged in the process of discipline and restoration of a person who had served as my pastor when I was a child.
Though he was loved and appreciated, over many years, he had engaged in behaviour that was both sinful and harmful, and had disqualified him from ministry. While I hoped for restoration to ministry for this individual, this became impossible as real repentance was not forthcoming.
As I grappled with this painful situation, I was continually mindful of Galatians 6:1-5, which reads:
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.
While there are many hills not worth dying on or defending, our character, integrity and walk with God certainly are.
Here is a good reminder of this truth.
the-one-ministry-hill-to-die-on/
May this serve to be an encouragement to us all, and may, by God’s grace, we finish well.
Please pray for:
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“Pastoral Approaches: The Church & Same-Sex Attraction.” Saturday, October 20 at Richmond Chinese EFC, 9AM – 4PM. This is a follow up and further resourcing of our LPD Conference presentation. All pastors and lay-leaders are welcome! Cost: $10.00 per registrant. Please register online at our LPD Website: https://www.lpd-efcc.ca/
