READ: Matthew 18:1-10
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:4
Some recent secular studies have shown that humility is indeed a sign of wisdom.
In one study, students rated the humblest achieved better grades than those who were considered to have a more inflated opinion of themselves.
In another study, the humility of a student has proven to be a better predictor of performance than measures of actual intelligence.
In yet another study, humility was particularly important in compensating for people with lower IQs. Indeed, students with lower IQs but more humility, performed as well as people with much higher IQs.
The latest research suggests that humility is especially important for leaders. Displays of humility in a leader have been shown to improve strategic thinking and boost his performance in the organisation.
Certain world leaders are noted for their intellectual humility. Abraham Lincoln was famous for his humble attitude and his capacity to acknowledge his own flaws and errors. This attitude was thought to have improved his tactical decision-making.
Angela Merkel’s background in science is credited with giving her a greater intellectual humility. This intellectual humility helped her to check her assumptions and to listen to other people’s opinion before forming her own. It is this humble attitude that is thought to have helped her navigate Germany through a series of crises during her years as Germany’s chancellor.
Life is a long lesson in humility. Ministry is a very long lesson in humility. The pain you will suffer in ministry is supposed to lead you to humility. Remember that humility makes you real and pride makes you unreal and over-confident.
Jesus said the greatest person was the one who was as humble as a child. In other words, the wisest person is the most humble person!