I used to love to take personality tests. I liked having the things I thought about myself confirmed. Looking back, I realize it was just a form of self-absorption and a way for me to excuse my character flaws by quoting my test results to anyone who had a problem.
Then God's Word became real to me and I realized that God does not give personality tests. He gives character-improving tests so that we can resemble Him. The Fruits of the Spirit are not just a laundry list of what the perfect person looks like, but really, a description of the person that God can teach us to be if we submit to His teaching/rod of correction/leading.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
My husband and I have studied personalities for the past 15 years. We've found that that having basic personality knowledge, with a Biblical perspective, actually helps relationships. It's helped our marriage, seen it bring together others who just didn't understand each other, and numerous other relationships have been mended because of it. My relationship with my mom has improved 10 fold since I now understand what motivates her.
ReplyDeleteOne of these days I'd love to talk to you about it. And I will address your concerns. Yes, that knowledge can be used for what we call "excusitis." But in the hands of a God fearing believer, it only strengthens them and equips them with yet more understanding that can be used to glorify Him.
There are actually some good Christian resources on it.
God Bless!
Hey Darcy,
ReplyDeleteMy beef with personality tests is that they are based on psychology that was developed by man. There is nothing Biblical about them. I think it is unwise to put trust in the theories of man. When we do this, we are setting aside God's Word which already tells us how to deal with difficult people. Matthew 18:21-22 and the following verses are good examples. "Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."
Romans 12:10: "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another"
There are so many more verses than just these two about how we are to interact with others - no matter their personalities. We are all God's creations, and to humble ourselves to love unconditionally is the core of what Jesus taught.
Ephesians 4:1-2 "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love..."
This takes us right back to the fruits of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" If we, as Christians, can exhibit these Godly qualities, we can deal with ANYONE, regardless of their personality quirks.
This turns the tables on us and we get to the realization that someone else's problems are not the problem, but our need to be more like Him so we can exhibit the love that He has for the people around us. It's very humbling. Right where God wants us to be. ;-)