In the west, a metaphor commonly used is: “Is this the hill you want to die on?”. It is usually asked of one who pursues an issue with whole hearted conviction regardless of cost to self. For martyrs, the hill they chose to die on was uncompromising loyalty to their faith in Jesus. Stephen, gifted with wisdom and knowledge, filled with the Holy Spirit dies serving the Lord; uncompromising, steadfast and faithful unto death. What of us today in this secular world? How do we serve with the gifts of the Spirit we have been blessed with? Today’s attacks destroy our reputation and friend- ships. The gift of faith we receive comes with the responsibility of service, for Jesus says “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48). As I circle the hill of faith, the hill I desire to die on, I hold onto Jesus’ promise that it would be the Spirit of my heavenly Father working through me.