In one of the pathology groups in which I previously worked, I was delighted to discover that two of the pathologists had graduated from college at age 18 and completed medical school at age 22. Upon further investigation, I learned both were members of MENSA. Membership in this elite organization rests upon having an I.Q. of 130 or greater, generally considered to represent the top 2% of the general population. The general public sometimes refers to MENSA members as geniuses or gifted.
I am certain I have unknowingly met many people who are either MENSA members or qualify to be included in this elite organization. However, this was the first time I was aware that I was working with two MENSA members. Whenever I was paired with either of them at work, I examined their approach to both diagnostic and managerial problems. How do geniuses solve problems? Can I learn and benefit from their approaches?
The irony is I would not have scrutinized their thought processes and problem solving skills had I been unaware of their MENSA status. In fact, I had many colleagues whom I thought were equally intelligent and creative, but I did not analyze their thought processes because they had assured me they were not MENSA members. I succumbed to a confirmation bias. If I thought their solutions were innovative, I assumed it was because of their high I.Q. If mistakes were made, I glossed over them, assuming that geniuses were not subject to the same frailties and weaknesses that plague the other 98% of the population. To my surprise and chagrin, I discovered that they made many of the same foolish mistakes that myself and others made.
God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore.
1 Kings 4:29 (NLT)
The Bible does not record any I.Q. scores since such measurements did not exist until the early 20th century. However, it is likely that King Solomon was the most intelligent person of his day and perhaps even in our day. The Bible lists some of his impressive accomplishments including those that exceeded other wise men, who were undoubtedly known to everyone during that time.
In fact, his wisdom exceeded that of all the wise men of the East and the wise men of Egypt. He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite and the sons of Mahol—Heman, Calcol, and Darda. His fame spread throughout all the surrounding nations. He composed some 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs. He could speak with authority about all kinds of plants, from the great cedar of Lebanon to the tiny hyssop that grows from cracks in a wall. He could also speak about animals, birds, small creatures, and fish. And kings from every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to the wisdom of Solomon.
1 Kings 4:30-34 (NLT)
In spite of his intelligence, Solomon still made foolish mistakes and allowed his heart to be led astray to worship the gods of his many foreign wives. My MENSA colleagues were atheists and disavowed God at a very young age. God has shown me that good judgment is superior to intelligence. If you have been blessed with superior intelligence, utilize it to critically analyze the claims of Jesus Christ who lived a sinless life, was crucified and resurrected. He showed that all who confess and repent of their sins and accept Him as Lord and Savior will obtain salvation and eternal life.
One does not need to be a genius to understand this, just good judgment.
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 