It’s Not About Knowledge—It’s About Humility

It’s a hard truth… but one we need to face:

It’s often easier to lead an atheist to Jesus than to convince a prideful Christian they might be wrong.

That may sound shocking at first—but when you really look at Scripture, it shouldn’t surprise us.

Throughout the Gospels, we see a consistent pattern.

Those who were considered outsiders—tax collectors, sinners, even Romans—were often the ones who listened, leaned in, and responded to Jesus.

But those who were deeply religious, who knew the Scriptures, who were confident in their understanding… were often the ones who resisted Him the most.

Why?

Because the real issue has never been about intelligence or knowledge.

It’s about humility.

The Danger of Thinking We’ve Arrived

There is a subtle danger in the Christian walk—especially for those who have been in the faith for a long time.

We begin to grow in knowledge. We learn Scripture. We develop understanding.

And without realizing it, that growth can slowly shift into confidence…and that confidence can turn into pride.

We may not say it out loud, but internally we begin to think:

“I already know this.”“I understand the truth.”“I’m not the one who needs correction.”

And in that moment, something dangerous happens.

We stop being teachable.

God Is Not Afraid of Questions

Many people assume that questioning is a sign of weak faith.

But in reality, questions often lead people to God—not away from Him.

Someone who doesn’t yet believe is often open, searching, and willing to wrestle with truth.

They’re asking:“Is this real?”“Can I trust this?”“Who is Jesus, really?”

And God meets people in that place.

But pride creates a different posture.

Pride doesn’t ask questions—it defends positions.

Pride doesn’t seek truth—it protects identity.

And Scripture is clear:

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6, NKJV)

When Pride Blocks Growth

One of the greatest dangers of pride in the life of a believer is that it doesn’t always look like rebellion.

Sometimes, it looks like certainty.

It looks like having all the right answers…but no longer having a heart that is open to correction.

And here’s the reality:

If we are not open to being corrected, we are no longer growing.

Spiritual maturity is not measured by how much we know…but by how willing we are to be shaped, refined, and even challenged by God.

Staying Humble Before God

The goal of the Christian life is not to “arrive” at a place where we no longer need to grow.

The goal is to remain in a posture of humility before God.

To stay teachable. To stay hungry. To stay surrendered.

Because the moment we think we’ve arrived…

is often the very moment we stop hearing Him clearly.

Final Thought

The issue has never been atheist vs Christian.

It’s humility vs pride.

God can work with someone who is searching.God can move in someone who is asking.

But pride closes the door to both correction and growth.

So the question isn’t:

“Do I know the truth?”

The better question is:

“Am I still willing to be taught?”

Pastor Scott