Humility is the soil in which heavenly wisdom, favor, and efficacy thrive in the path of spiritual development and leadership. One of the most subtle yet dangerous pitfalls is the “I Too Know” spirit, a prideful attitude that seeks to challenge, correct, or even “mentor” those who are spiritually senior or divinely appointed over us. This attitude, if unchecked, can lead to rebellion, confusion, and spiritual death.
Scripture warns us repeatedly about the peril of pride and disrespect for spiritual authority:
Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Romans 13:1 reminds us, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God.”
1 Samuel 15:23 states, “Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.”
These verses underscore that challenging divine authority or harboring a rebellious attitude is not just disobedience but open rebellion against God Himself.
The Dangers of the ‘I Too Know’ Spirit:
Disrupts Divine Order
God has established spiritual authorities, mentors, pastors, elders, and leaders. Overstepping boundaries by trying to mentor or correct your mentor undermines divine order, inviting chaos into the spiritual realm.
Breeds Pride and Spiritual Arrogance
Thinking you are more spiritually mature or knowledgeable than those who have led you breeds pride. Pride is a dangerous trap that blinds the heart and separates us from God’s grace.
Hinders Personal Growth
The attitude that “I already know enough” or “I can teach my mentor” stifles humility and prevents learning. It cuts off the grace and wisdom that could flow from spiritual authority.
Invites Spiritual Rebellion and Repercussions
God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Rebellion against spiritual authority can lead to spiritual stagnation, confusion, and even divine discipline.
Destroys Relationships and Ministries
A know-it-all attitude creates division, mistrust, and broken relationships. It can ruin mentorship, damage reputations, and hinder the work of God.
The Heart of Humility: Respecting Spiritual Authority
Humility is the cornerstone of spiritual growth. Jesus Himself exemplified humility, despite being the Son of God. He submitted to the Father’s plan, honored His earthly parents, and respected the spiritual authorities He encountered.
Respect and humility do not diminish your calling; they magnify it.
You do not need to mentor your mentor to grow; you need to learn from them, honor their experience, and submit to divine order. Wisdom begins with recognizing that no matter how much you know, there is always more to learn.
The Power of Teaching and Learning in Divine Order
Humility invites divine wisdom. James 1:5 encourages us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.”
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
Mentorship is a divine system designed to impart wisdom, correct, and guide, not to be challenged or usurped.
The Dangers of Overstepping Authority:
Mentoring your mentor is a spiritual peril. It’s an act of rebellion that can open doors to deception and confusion. It’s rooted in pride, insecurity, or a desire to be exalted.
Rebelling against your spiritual authority can lead to confusion and spiritual death.
It can cause you to miss divine appointments and the blessings attached to submission and honor.
It can grieve the Holy Spirit, who resists pride and promotes humility.
Cultivating a Spirit of Honor and Humility:
Honor Your Leaders
Honor is the foundation of divine order. Hebrews 13:17 instructs us to obey and submit to those who have rule over us. Honor is not just respect; it’s a recognition of divine authority.
Learn to Receive Correction
Accept correction with humility. Proverbs 12:1 says, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.”
Learning from those who lead you is a divine privilege, not a challenge to their authority.
Seek Wisdom, Not Rebellion
Wisdom is humility in action. Proverbs 11:2 states, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Let humility be your default posture.
Guard Against Offended Heart
Offense breeds rebellion. Jesus warned in Matthew 11:6, “Blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
Don’t let pride or offense cause you to challenge divine authority.
Recognize Divine Appointment
Remember that every spiritual authority is appointed by God. Romans 13:1 reminds us that all authority is established by God. Respect their role, even when you disagree.
The Power of Submission
Submission is not weakness; it is divine strength. Jesus submitted to the Father’s will, and in doing so, He demonstrated ultimate humility and obedience. Likewise, true spiritual strength is found in submitting to divine order.
Submission opens the door for divine wisdom to flow through your leaders.
It positions you for divine promotion and blessing.
It guards your heart from deception and rebellion.
Submission with humility is a spiritual weapon that preserves your integrity, enhances your influence, and aligns you with divine purpose.
The Heart Posture:
Recognize that no one is above correction or accountability.
Understand that every spiritual leader is human, fallible, and in need of grace.
Cultivate a heart of respect, honor, and teachability.
Remember, mentorship is a divine system designed for growth, not for competition or rebellion. When you respect your mentor, you honor God’s order. When you challenge or try to mentor your mentor, you undermine divine authority and invite spiritual chaos.
The Consequences of the ‘I Too Know’ Spirit:
Spiritual stagnation and confusion.
Loss of divine favor and blessing.
Divine discipline and possible disqualification.
Broken relationships and diminished influence.
Missed divine opportunities and breakthroughs.
The ‘I Too Know’ spirit is a killer, it kills humility, spiritual growth, relationships, and divine favor.
Ministers, never forget that true spiritual authority is rooted in humility, reverence, and service. Respect the process of divine order, honor your mentors, and seek wisdom from those who have gone before you.
Beware of the prideful spirit that seeks to mentor your mentor — it is a trap that leads to destruction.
Instead, embrace a teachable spirit, recognize your place in divine hierarchy, and trust God to elevate you in His perfect timing.
Remember, the greatest among you shall be your servant (Matthew 23:11). Serve with humility, honor your spiritual authorities, and watch how God elevates and blesses your life and ministry.
Always keep in mind:
Don’t challenge divine order. Don’t mentor your mentor. Kill the ‘I Too Know’ spirit before it kills your destiny.
Walk humbly before God and men, and He will exalt you in due time.
Yours In His Service
C. C. RAYMOND
