Apologetics, Humility, and the Right Mindset

In this article, I want to go over a topic that I personally need to remember within this ministry. I want to talk about the mindset we should have as Christians when we defend the faith and participate in apologetics. This is incredibly important because it keeps us in check, helps us represent Christ well, and shapes our influence on others so that God can use us for His Kingdom.

This is something I needed to think through and put on paper for myself as well. It can be hard to always remember, and if we are not careful, we can slowly drift into “arguing just to argue”—defending positions for the wrong reasons and with the wrong heart. Scripture warns us about this kind of posture:

“Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.”
(2 Timothy 2:23)

With that in mind, there are three main points I want to emphasize when it comes to apologetics and defending the Christian faith.

Our Goal Is NOT to “Win” an Argument

When we engage in debates or conversations around questions like “Is God real?” or “Is Christianity the true revelation of God?”, our goal is not to simply “win” the argument. We are called to plant seeds, so that God can work in that person’s heart and bring conviction in His timing.

Paul reminds us of this clearly:

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”
(1 Corinthians 3:6)

Our responsibility is to defend the Christian faith faithfully, honestly, and with humility. We must remember why we learn and present apologetic arguments in the first place: to glorify God, grow His Kingdom, and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us.

“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
(1 Peter 3:15)

Apologetics is not about proving how intelligent we are or inflating our ego. Our purpose is to honor Christ, not ourselves. As Paul warns:

“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”
(1 Corinthians 8:1) 

We Don’t Always Need an Answer

As I mentioned in a recent short featuring Mike Winger, there are times when it is far better to humbly say “I don’t know” than to give a rushed, shallow, or “pat” answer. This posture honors Christ and demonstrates intellectual honesty.

Scripture affirms the wisdom of restraint:

“Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”
(Proverbs 17:28)

When we feel pressured to have an answer for everything, we risk misrepresenting both apologetics and the Christian faith. If people see believers consistently giving poor or careless answers, it can actually damage their perception of Christianity and discourage genuine inquiry.

Humility matters because we represent Christ, not just our own ideas:

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
(Colossians 4:6)

Being intellectually honest—even when that means admitting limits—can plant deeper seeds than forced certainty ever could.

Apologetics Is for Our Faith and to Plant Seeds, NOT to Convert

Another key emphasis when it comes to apologetics is remembering that it is for our own faith just as much—if not more—than for others. Apologetics helps strengthen our understanding of why we believe, deepens our trust in God, and reinforces our confidence in His truth.

God does not call us to blind faith, but to a faith grounded in truth and understanding:

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
(Matthew 22:37)

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord.”
(Isaiah 1:18)

Apologetics supports our growth as disciples and helps us walk confidently in a world that challenges Christian belief. At the same time, these conversations allow us to have genuine relationships, meaningful dialogue, and opportunities to plant seeds for the Holy Spirit to work through.

Ultimately, apologetics must be Spirit-led, not argument-driven:

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”
(Zechariah 4:6)

Conversion is not our job—that belongs to the Holy Spirit alone:

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.”
(John 6:44)

Our role is to speak truth in love, live faithfully, and trust God with the results.

Conclusion

When we engage in apologetics, we must constantly check our hearts. Our calling is not to dominate conversations, win debates, or prove our superiority—it is to honor Christ, strengthen our own faith, and faithfully plant seeds. Apologetics should flow from humility, love, and obedience to the Spirit, not pride or competition.

If we remain grounded in Scripture, honest in our answers, and focused on God’s glory rather than our own, He can use our conversations—no matter how small—to accomplish eternal work. We plant, we water, and we trust God to bring the growth.