I love examining human behavior. As I was studying for my Psych degree, part of our curriculum involved exploring different theorists/theories and personality types. I was sucked in! Some of them made sense while others were a bit on the extreme side. Needless to say, I learned a lot about the human condition and how we operate.

As much as I can agree that these tests and theories can be a great help in understanding who we are, they also bring me to my next ‘string.’

So let’s briefly discuss the terms extrovert and introvert.

Extroverts can to be more outgoing, have lots of friends, feel energized by being in social situations, think out loud, and love taking on new tasks.

Introverts are more likely to enjoy time alone, have a few close friends, enjoy small social gatherings,and are observant and self-reflective.

“So how is this a ‘string’?”

The ‘string‘ comes along when you start basing your identity on these titles. And I am afraid I let them become one big knot.

#2 A Worldly Identity

I am an extroverted introvert. I enjoy people and the occasional shin-dig, but too much “people engaging” tends to leave me drained. Being alone to process my thoughts helps me to recharge and prepare for the next encounter.

The downside to this, however, is when I am stressed or overwhelmed, the need for alone time increases. Then I run the risk of isolating myself, which then leads to an unhealthy state of mind. I have been there more times than I would like to admit.

During my current struggle, Jesus reminded me that I am to base my identity on Him. But what am I to do with all of these tendencies? Didn’t you give me some of these traits? Won’t I be denying who I really am? And He gently told me that there was more to this if I would let Him show me. So I decided to listen.

Psalm 46:10//He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Mark 16:15-16//“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

These are just 2 examples of many verses in Scripture that demonstrate extroverted AND introverted actions when it comes to following Christ. You mean there’s not just one?? Nope.

So what does this mean?

It means that sometimes we have to do what doesn’t come natural to us in order to grow and be used by God. Get outside of our comfort zone. For the extrovert, that might mean taking the time to stop and listen. For the introvert, it might meant get up and go. Jesus says it’s all a part of His plan to further His kingdom.

Just so I am clear, being an extrovert or introvert isn’t bad. But one question I want you to think about is:

Does my focus on being an extrovert or introvert keep me from doing what God calls me to do?

Bingo. ‘String‘ #2 (cutting in progress). One more string to go…

 

1 Corinthians 12:14-20// For the body does not consist of one member but of many.  If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.  And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.  If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell?  But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.  If all were a single member, where would the body be?  As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.