A Better Hill to Die On
In 1806, Andrew Jackson took a bullet to the chest in a duel over his honor—and kept standing. Why? Because to him, honor was worth the pain. Worth the blood. Worth the fight. But church, what if we told you that the same mindset—“I deserve better!”—is silently sabotaging the mission of the gospel in our lives today?
1 Corinthians 9 confronts that attitude with a different kind of courage—not the kind that fires a pistol, but the kind that lays it down. Paul, like Jackson, had every reason to stand his ground. He had the title. The track record. The right to be heard, supported, and respected.
But what did he do?
He surrendered it all—so nothing would cloud the message of Jesus.
This week, let’s get real practical: What rights are you clinging to that are clouding your witness?
Are you holding a grudge because you deserve an apology?
Are you checking out of church community because your preferences weren’t prioritized?
Are you stuck in bitterness at work because someone else got the recognition you wanted?
Are you too busy protecting your time, your comfort, your control—to serve anyone beyond yourself?
Paul’s example wasn’t about weakness. It was about mission. He knew who he was in Christ—and that freed him to stop fighting for approval and start living for the gospel.
And it challenges us, too. Because if Jesus gave up His rights to rescue us, how can we not give up ours to reach others?
What conversation have you been avoiding because you're holding onto your pride?
What area of ministry are you keeping at arm’s length because it doesn’t benefit you?
What sacrificial “yes” have you been resisting because you’re waiting for something in
return?
This week, choose the better hill. Lay down your right to be right. Lay down your demand to be seen. Pick up the cross and follow the One who laid down everything—for you.
The world says, “Stand your ground.” Jesus says, “Lay it down.”
And when you do, you’ll find joy not in what you’ve earned—but in what you’ve given.
Because the gospel is worth more than your rights. And the reward?
It’s freedom. It’s clarity.
It’s Christ.
1 Corinthians 9 confronts that attitude with a different kind of courage—not the kind that fires a pistol, but the kind that lays it down. Paul, like Jackson, had every reason to stand his ground. He had the title. The track record. The right to be heard, supported, and respected.
But what did he do?
He surrendered it all—so nothing would cloud the message of Jesus.
This week, let’s get real practical: What rights are you clinging to that are clouding your witness?
Are you holding a grudge because you deserve an apology?
Are you checking out of church community because your preferences weren’t prioritized?
Are you stuck in bitterness at work because someone else got the recognition you wanted?
Are you too busy protecting your time, your comfort, your control—to serve anyone beyond yourself?
Paul’s example wasn’t about weakness. It was about mission. He knew who he was in Christ—and that freed him to stop fighting for approval and start living for the gospel.
And it challenges us, too. Because if Jesus gave up His rights to rescue us, how can we not give up ours to reach others?
What conversation have you been avoiding because you're holding onto your pride?
What area of ministry are you keeping at arm’s length because it doesn’t benefit you?
What sacrificial “yes” have you been resisting because you’re waiting for something in
return?
This week, choose the better hill. Lay down your right to be right. Lay down your demand to be seen. Pick up the cross and follow the One who laid down everything—for you.
The world says, “Stand your ground.” Jesus says, “Lay it down.”
And when you do, you’ll find joy not in what you’ve earned—but in what you’ve given.
Because the gospel is worth more than your rights. And the reward?
It’s freedom. It’s clarity.
It’s Christ.
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