Why is it that elites and intellectuals of our society do not believe in God? It is very rare that a renown scientist or a mathematician is found to be a Christian. Does that shake your confidence in Christianity? For me, it actually bolsters my faith. Why? Because Jesus said it would happen… (Luke 18:24)

The more we accomplish, the more difficult it becomes to follow Christ.

Our accomplishments give us an illusion of capability. Just think generally about the people who are confident. Aren’t they the ones who have accomplished much in life? Their accomplishments inevitably lead them to think it’s their own intelligence and hard work that got them where they are.

But to be a Christian is to admit utter helplessness. That is, we are utterly incapable of doing anything of value to God. The only hope lies in Jesus since we are useless.

So, you see how difficult it would be for those who accomplished much in life to become a Christian. They look around and compare themselves to those who are not as capable. They feel themselves to be superior and self-sufficient. Therefore, when they hear the gospel – which proclaims that we are utterly INCAPABLE of saving ourselves and therefore must lean on Christ, they scoff at it. “What do you mean that I’m incapable! I’m perfectly capable. I can do fine all by myself. Thank you!”

When there was a debate among the Jews about who Jesus was, this is what the pharisees said, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?” (John 7:47) In other words, the reason why people should not believe in Jesus is because the intellectuals and the learned do not believe in Jesus.

Not much has changed in 2000 years. Today, many will side with secular college professors, “scientists,” and other authorities who are not believers to prove the credibility of their position. They think to themselves, “I do not understand all of the science and mathematics, but since these people who are smarter than me tell me that God doesn’t exist, I guess I will believe (or trust in) them.”

“But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” 1 Cor. 1:27. 

Thank God for our INcapability!

PH