No doubt you’re familiar with the saying, “a hill to die on”? One dictionary of idioms gives this definition:
“A position or argument that one maintains with total conviction, without concern as to whether or not one will be considered correct or change anyone else's opinion.”
I’m convinced that there are many ways to understand and interpret the scriptures and life itself for which we do well to keep our conclusions open ended. We would be wise to think together with other earnest believers and seek to grow our understanding. This is especially necessary when we subscribe to a view that many godly and knowledgeable people did not or do not hold to. It’s simply prudent and humble to hold it with an open hand, freely acknowledging that we could be wrong.
But then there are those truths that are worthy of our deepest conviction. We would do well to isolate just what they are in our own personal “statement of faith” if you will. Take a hard look at, say, the top five to ten statements that you’ve accepted as truths to live by and ask yourself: would I lay down my life before I would ever deny this one? And what about that one? Am I prepared to die on this hill? Then, with whatever survives that acid test, live it to the bone come what may.
