WHAT’S YOUR SPIRITUAL PERSONALITY?
“My heart says of you, Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek” Ps.27:8
Do you ever ask yourself now and again, who am I, really? I ask myself that fairly often. Sometimes, knowing who we are can be hard to figure out. But recognizing what draws us closer to God and how we’re designed to serve Him, is vital for our spiritual growth.In Seminary I took classes on the Enneagram, a way of recognizing what motivates you, prompts your reactions to stressors, and how you view life. The first time I read about the nine types described in the Enneagram I found it confusing, but by persevering I discovered some things about myself that has been very helpful.
If you’re interested in exploring the Enneagram I’d recommend “Mirror for the Soul—A Christian Guide to the Enneagram” by Alice Fryling.
Many of you have probably done the Myers-Briggs tests. Even more of you are probably familiar with the four personality types: Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholy, and Phlegmatic. Like most of us, I am a mix.There are days when I’m happy, outgoing, and highly energetic. In fact, I’m like the Energizer Bunny buzzing around getting loads done: talks outlined, phone calls made, emails answered, blogs written—as well as smoothing beds, washing dishes, and even planning what we’re going to eat for dinner. Plus, of course, having quality time with God. On days like this when my adrenaline is pumping, I’m amazed at my ability to be super-disciplined, super-organized, and super-successful at scratching nearly everything off my never-ending to-do list. Unfortunately, these experiences don’t happen every day.Here is a true confession: because I work out of my home it’s easy to laze around. There are days when I flip through magazines, stare at the dishes stacked in the sink, ignore my computer, and get little accomplished. With no ambition to do anything that requires energy, I allow my slug-like tendencies to take over—at least once in a while. Can you identify?Knowing who we are and how we best connect with God can be tricky because we are not all alike. There are no identical boxes everyone has to fit in to enjoy a close relationship with God. Some of you might love deep Bible study, and others can’t sit still. You might thrive being with people, but someone else might prefer connecting one-on-one. We’re different and it is okay.What’s vital for a healthy relationship with God is understanding your unique mix and knowing that you are okay. You’re not spiritually deficient or second-rate because you’re not like your friend.Ready to check out the characteristics of the four personality types—and discover how your unique self can draw closer to God?
Watch the upcoming blog series and find out who you are, really!
Qu. From your prior knowledge, what personality type do you think you are? What makes you think this?
Blessings, Poppy
Photos: Graphic Stock