Savior taught that to be humble is to become as a child
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In these coarsening times when the world is taught the art of negotiating by intimidation, and assertiveness has become a byword of the business world, "It should come as no surprise that, in the estimation of some, humility ranks quite low on the scale of desirable character traits," said Elder Marlin K. Jensen.
Speaking during the Saturday morning session, Elder Jensen of the Presidency of the Seventy noted how popular books have been written in recent years on integrity, common sense, civility and a host of other virtues, "but apparently there is little market for humility."
Consciously trying to acquire humility can be problematic. "If you think you have it, you don't," he said, quoting one of his brethren in the Seventy.
"Fortunately, the Savior has given us a model for developing humility." Referring to Matthew 18:1-4, Elder Jensen said, "The Savior teaches us that to become humble is to become as a child."
King Benjamin "seems to teach that becoming like a child is a gradual process of spiritual development in which we are aided by the Holy Ghost and our reliance on Christ's Atonement," said Elder Jensen. "Through this process, we will eventually acquire the childlike attributes of meekness, humility, patience, love and spiritual submissiveness. True humility will inevitably lead us to say to God, 'Thy will be done.'
"And, because what we are does affect what we do, our submissiveness will be reflected in our reverence, gratitude and willingness to accept callings, counsel and correction.
"The greatest act of courage and love in the history of mankind — Christ's atoning sacrifice — was also the greatest act of humility and submissiveness.
"I resonate to the English author John Ruskin's memorable statement," continued Elder Jensen, "that 'the first test of a truly great man is his humility. I do not mean by humility, doubt of his own power. But really great men have a curious feeling that greatness is not in them, but through them. And they see something divine in every other man and are endlessly, foolishly, incredibly merciful.' "
