"Hill To Die On" - August 11, 2024 - Assistant Pastor Anthony Roberts

Abundant Life Church

Today, we explored the concept of "A Hill to Die On," a phrase that signifies standing firm on a principle or belief, even at great personal cost. This idiom, rooted in military strategy, symbolizes the importance of holding one's ground, especially when it comes to matters of faith and doctrine. In our modern context, it often refers to the various social, political, and cultural issues that people passionately defend. However, not all hills are worth dying on, especially when they distract us from our true mission as followers of Christ.
We must prioritize unity and peace within the church. The Apostle Paul emphasized the importance of being like-minded and living in harmony, even when we have differing opinions. Unity is crucial for the church to function effectively and to avoid distractions that can lead to internal conflicts. Outside the church, we are called to be patient and gentle, even with those who oppose us. Our goal is to reach the lost, not to engage in fruitless arguments.
There are, however, certain hills that are worth dying on. These include the core doctrines of our faith, such as the belief in the historical and biblical Jesus, the importance of repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit. We also stand firm on the principles of living a life of holiness and separation from the world. These are non-negotiable beliefs that we must defend, regardless of the consequences.
In our current political climate, it's easy to get distracted by worldly issues. While it's important to be informed and to vote, our ultimate allegiance should be to the Kingdom of God, which is eternal. Earthly governments will fail, but God's Kingdom will endure forever. Therefore, we must focus on what truly matters—preaching the gospel and making disciples.
As we navigate through life, it's essential to pick our battles wisely. Not every issue is worth our time and energy. We should focus on the meaningful things that have eternal significance. By doing so, we can live a life that is pleasing to God and impactful for His Kingdom.