I wonder how many times we stand on hills too small for principles too minor and bloody ourselves in battles that need not be fought. Whenever I help church leaders formulate strategic plans, I like to make the distinction between God's good provision for his mission: the people, pastors, facilities, and programs on the one hand, and God's mission on the other hand. People get stuck on what color the carpet should be, or what program must be retained or abandoned. Or what color should the eternal light be. But carpet wears out. Programs come and go. God's mission goes on until Jesus returns.
Jesus went to a hill and died for the sins of the world. He won salvation for us by his death. His resurrection vindicates his whole ministry. It also give us hope, and reminds us in the face of every challenge or trouble: The tomb is empty. We stand on that truth with confidence and hope.
