I was young and inexperienced. Honestly, I had never thought through most of the questions he was asking. His theological background was far different than mine. He had clearly been taught to attack other people, and I was only focused on learning the Bible.

When the meeting was over, I felt embarrassed and ashamed that I didn’t have better answers. For a few days, I had considered quitting. I had let my people down, and worse, I had let myself down. How could I be so stupid?

Finally, I raised my head and tried to move forward. But that day humbled me. I realized I didn’t know as much as I thought I did. There was a new conviction to learn more, read more, ask more questions, and be a better leader.

I have matured greatly as a Christian and a leader since that day, but I will never forget the lessons I learned. Humility, curiosity, and a desire to learn became the cornerstones of my life and ministry.

Every one of us will lose an argument one day about something vital to them. How you respond to that loss can either mess you up and cause you to quit, or it could also spur you to growth and renewed commitment. Honestly, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose; what happens afterward shapes your future.