“The hill you are willing to die on.” It’s a phrase I’ve heard a lot lately. Sometimes it’s used by someone to express their deep commitment to an issue. It’s often used in a question as someone asks, “Is it really that big of a deal? Is this the hill you’re willing to die on?” I have to admit, I’ve used it to express my frustration with much of the needless bickering I’ve observed on social media. Rather than enter into the fray, I’ve found myself saying, “This isn’t a hill I’m willing to die on.” Lately, I’ve said it so often I’ve found myself thinking, “Passive much ‘Des? Is there anything you’re willing to stand for? That got me thinking: What principles would I be willing to fight for—to defend against all the odds? Because that’s what the phrase means: you will take a stand and defend your belief no matter what or who it costs you. Even if you lost everything—including your life—you would not bend. As I pondered it, here are my answers. 1. My personal relationship with Jesus. More than anything, I want to be a wholehearted committed follower of Christ. Beyond a doubt, I believe that all religions are not the same, and all roads do not lead to Heaven. I believe that accepting Jesus as your personal Savior and committing your life to Him is the only way to have a relationship with God on earth and spend eternity with Him in Heaven. I cannot bend on this.
I pray that no matter what, I will always have the strength and the courage to stand for this principle. Like Daniel, who prayed even when he was threatened with death for disobeying the king’s edict, I pray that my personal relationship with Jesus will be the thing I cannot deny and that maintaining this relationship through spiritual disciplines is a cause I would do anything to defend. No matter what—I will follow Jesus. 2. I believe the Bible is God’s Word, meant to be taken literally. It is still relevant today. One of the biggest threats in modern Christianity and our culture is progressive Christianity—the belief that the Bible shouldn't be taken literally, and its teachings are no longer relevant in today’s world. This teaching allows people to believe they are Christians while still living sinful lives and follow the ways of a culture that are totally against the Bible. Sadly, progressive Christianity has swept through the church like a deadly virus—creating weak Christians and drawing many away from the faith altogether. While I absolutely refuse to argue with people about a physical virus, speaking against progressive Christianity and its lies is a hill I am willing to die on. 3. Compromise Over the last two years, I have felt the Holy Spirit’s call to speak like the Old Testament's prophets and warn believers of the dangers of compromising with sin. Because while many believers reject the outright lies of progressive Christianity, they are falling prey to the subtler temptation to believe that “compromising with sin is no big deal—-after all, we can’t be legalistic.” Yet, this lie is just as destructive as progressive Christianity. Because compromise kills Christians, at the very least, it weakens us. It is our kryptonite—subtly stealing the power, the strength, and the witness we are to have as followers of Christ. If we want to follow Jesus and fulfill His plans for our lives wholeheartedly, then compromise has to go. It is the message I am called to share—no matter what, I have to share it. Honestly, there have been times when I’ve received negative feedback from those who disagree. Yet, I will continue trying to avoid compromise in my life and encouraging others to do the same. Out of obedience to the Holy Spirit, this is a hill I am willing to die on. So no, I don’t think I am passive. I just believe we have to choose our battles. As Christians, I believe we need to be careful to use our energy to fight spiritual threats rather than get caught up in trivial things that have no eternal value. Some things, we have to let go. But when it comes to the fundamentals of our faith, we need to prepare to stand firm, unbending, and, if necessary, to die on that hill. In that way, we follow the example of Jesus, Who died on a hill for the sins of the world. He died for us; now we live for Him. Will it always be easy? No. In fact, I believe it will only get harder. But it’s worth it. Jesus is worth it. Souls spending eternity in Heaven are worth whatever the cost. In my opinion, following Jesus and leading others to a personal relationship with Him is the only hill worth dying on.
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13
--Adessa
Adessa Holden is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God specializing in Women's Ministry. Together with her brother, Jamie, they manage 4One Ministries and travel the East Coast speaking, holding conferences, and producing Men's and Women's resources that provide practical Biblical teaching for everyday life.
When asked about herself, she'll tell you "I'm a women's minister, a sister, and a daughter. I love to laugh and spend time with people. My favorite things are chocolate, the ocean, sandals and white capris, anything purple, summertime and riding in the car listening to music. It is my absolute honor and privilege to serve Jesus and women through this ministry.
