Growing up in Mississippi can be a study in humility.

For literally decades and decades, generations of Mississippians have learned time and time again just how bad the state is in comparison with other states in the union.

From poverty and illiteracy to obesity and heart disease Mississippi always seems to find itself at the top of the bad lists or at the bottom of the good lists.

But last week, just before the nation paused to celebrate the birth of Christ, Mississippi made a No. 1 appearance on perhaps the only list that will ultimately matter.

The Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life released a study on the nation’s religion commitment.

The Magnolia state found itself at the top of all four of the measurements they studied:

82 percent of Mississippians reported that religion was “very important in their lives.” Sadly, the national average was only 56 percent.

Six out of 10 said they attend religious services at least once a week.

77 percent said they pray at least once a day.

A whopping 91 percent said they believe in God with “absolute certainty.”

Our neighbors Louisiana and Alabama — perennially in the running for being best at the worst — were in the top 10 in each category.

As refreshing as it is for the humble people of Mississippi to be No. 1 in something, Mississippians certainly won’t gloat. The majority of them — the study confirms — takes their lead and example from the humble son of a Jewish carpenter.

Editor’s note: The entire study can be seen at: Pew Study