February 1, 2020
I was having a conversation with a friend the other day, who asked me if I thought Extrovert and Introvert (personality assessments) were biblical? Are there verses in the bible that support the psychology behind personality assessments, and specifically, Extrovert and Introvert?
A few years ago I had another friend ask me if I thought my teaching psychology was contrary to the bible. He wanted to know if I had any issues with teaching psychology since I'm a born again Christian. It was a very interesting conversation.
I love these types of questions, as it challenges my way of thinking, my educational background, my spiritual walk with the Lord, and my grasp on God's Word. I enjoy having these moments of deep conversation. Often times, there is no solid answer, but I have always enjoyed a challenge.
To answer the question regarding psychology, while teaching Developmental Psychology and Introduction to Psychology, I always found it fascinating as I dove into each chapter how everything pointed back to a creator. Psychology is considered a science, because all of the theories are based on research, but one thing I always pointed out (strongly I might add) to my students is that science in not fact! Theory is possibility with high probability; not causation.When research is conducted, as the sample size grows the more valid the results (positive or negative correlations) become as it is more representative of the population being studied. The smaller the sample, the less validity the research has, as it is difficult to state that, "this influences this" when there are billions of people and only 25 people were in the study. Small representation.
I digress: in science and psychology, there are always exceptions to the rule, or as I like to call them, "exceptions to the norm". Outside the norm, is where we find God! When we ask why? We find a creator. When we look at how a baby is created and really understand the complexities of what has to occur to make that baby exist, the true miracle is that a child is created at all! Tt points to God Almighty, the Creator, the Designer, the Architect. When we see a baby born at 27 weeks, weighing 2lbs 7 oz, who grows up with no complications or developmental challenges (despite what research says), we see God! There are no absolutes in science or in psychology. It's ever changing. Every day we find out more about how complex our brains really are, we learn new things about our body systems. 43 years ago, science knew nothing about pre-eclampsia or eclampsia and the dangers it expels on an unborn child and the mother. Now we do! It is ever changing and just when we think we have it all figured out, we find out we do not (the earth is flat...NOPE! It's round)!
As we delve deeper in psychology, cancer research, mental health, etc. we find the uniqueness of the individual determines more about how we will respond physically, mentally or spiritually than the norms or research. How we think and interpret the world around us has such a strong empowering control over our health.
This leads to the question, is extrovert and introvert biblical? God has created each of us with special gifts, talents and skills so we can use all of that the serve Him. When we come to Christ as our personal Savior and ask Him to be Lord of our lives, He takes what came out at birth, influenced by our environment and biology, and molds us into what He actually designed us to be! In I Corinthians 12:12-31, the bible clearly states that we are all unique, we all have different gifts and we all have purpose. If you look at I Corinthians 2:1-11, it specifically speaks of spiritual gifts. These gifts are what God has given to us to do His work, but the full potential of those gifts is not tapped until we have come to accept Him as Lord and Savior! He has given us our personality, our abilities and the experiences that we have had over time to acquire skills needed to do the work of the Lord.
When I read over the spiritual gifts, I see where the 16 personalities described in the Myers Briggs assessment relate, or fit into the gifts. However, we cannot do anything without the power of the Lord Almighty. We cannot become what God desires until we know Him and follow Him. Otherwise, the talents, abilities and skills we have are unrefined, unguided and full of worldly wisdom.
Now, just because we are able to take a quiz and it says we are more inclined toward extroversion or introversion (or the other 14 personalities), does not mean that we are stuck in that bubble. It is a continuum, we can fluctuate throughout our lives, depending on where we are in our spiritual walk between needing "fueled" by others or "fueled" by isolation. There is a season and time for everything. Does that mean that when I want to be alone that I am no longer an extrovert? No, it means, God has told me to take a "time out"! The bible specifically talks about taking quiet time to pray; to reset; to realign ourselves with the Almighty. Jesus took time away from the disciples and the crowds to pray (Matthew 14:22-23, Matthew 1:35-37). James 4:8 states, "Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." We cannot know what God wants of us, if we are not silent enough to listen to His voice. Psalms 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.".
Our society is busy, sometimes, so busy that we are doing nothing. There are seasons that even an extrovert is called "to be still" and an introvert is called to step up and out! I have spoken with at least two separate Pastor friends who have stated that they see themselves as introverts. They LOVE people and truly follow the teaching of Paul in regards to loving others as God has called, but both never thought they would be preachers. They don't care for the limelight and do not see themselves as leaders. Surely and extroverted-leader type would be better suited for a pastoral position? Someone who naturally stands out in a crowd and gets energized by being around others. But, this is my own theory (based on a small sample); God did not call them to be shepherd's because they were extroverted or commanded attention as a great leader, but instead, He saw that their hearts were pure in loving others, compassionate hearts, hearts that would break for the downtrodden and uplift the woeful. They have hearts that are ready to do whatever God asked of them, even if it took them out of their comfort zone (which makes us more reliant on the Almighty God). Paul was a great leader, because he had a compassionate, loving heart that preached and taught with deep passion for Christ and love for others.
Is extrovert or introvert biblical? The bible talks about being quiet, meek, bold, peaceful, mindful, and many other characteristics that fall under Myers Briggs Assessment, but the bible does not pigeon toe people into categories of personality and tell them to stay there. Read Matthew 5:3-10 (Beatitudes) for clarity on how God calls us to act. Read about the spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians. Read Philippians 4:8-9 to know more about how we ought to think, which in turn influences our actions and behaviors.
So, personally I say "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13 We can do the things that seem impossible, through Christ alone. We can overcome obstacles, mountains and hard times, because He is on our side.
, it does not hurt to take a personality assessment, to see how you respond to certain questions or where you may fall in different categories. This could give you an idea of your true nature, but know that God may call you to do something that is contrary to your personality, even radical. Knowing how you function, think and process things allows you know where your weaknesses are and your strengths so you are more able to do what God asks of you. There is nothing wrong with being aware of who you are and how God made you, but there is danger in using it as crutch to avoid doing the things God has called you to do. He will give you strength when you are weak. He will give you wisdom, when you are are feeling unprepared or incapable.
Also know that there are seasons, (sometimes monthly, weekly, hourly, minute by minute) when you need to rest in Him; reset, refill and be ready to do what He calls you to do, because He made you uniquely YOU! He made you just as you are! He made you and will guide you to serve Him in any way He deems, but in all things His goal is to reach others with the beautiful story of redemption and restoration that is only found through belief in Jesus Christ and acceptance of what He did on the cross for us. God's desire for us does not end there. Yes, He wants us restored through Jesus Christ so we can be with Him in heaven, but He also longs for a relationship with each one of us; a relationship where we can find hope, purpose, peace and joy no matter what life throws at us! This hope, purpose, peace and joy can only be found through the reading of God's Word.
I encourage you to find Jesus. He will give you clarity on why you are who you are and your purpose in this world! He made you uniquely You! Find a bible believing church in your area where God's Word is spoken and where the LOVE of God is shared among the family of God. Churches are full of broken sinful people who ALL need the Lord and I pray that all that walk through the doors of a church are there to learn more about Him, grow closer to Him, accepting that God made each of us different for His purpose and glory. Find a church family, one that accepts you for who you are at this moment, just as God accepts you. A church that prays for you as you walk the path of a new believer, as God shines light on your weaknesses and you allow Him to mold you into a new creation, the creation He made you to be. Find a church that does not expect perfection, but encourages you on your journey to know what it means to be a child of God. God's blessings to you!
"For You formed my inward parts: You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none for them." Psalms 139:13-16.
“Are not five sparrows sold for two [b]copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6
I was having a conversation with a friend the other day, who asked me if I thought Extrovert and Introvert (personality assessments) were biblical? Are there verses in the bible that support the psychology behind personality assessments, and specifically, Extrovert and Introvert?
A few years ago I had another friend ask me if I thought my teaching psychology was contrary to the bible. He wanted to know if I had any issues with teaching psychology since I'm a born again Christian. It was a very interesting conversation.
I love these types of questions, as it challenges my way of thinking, my educational background, my spiritual walk with the Lord, and my grasp on God's Word. I enjoy having these moments of deep conversation. Often times, there is no solid answer, but I have always enjoyed a challenge.
To answer the question regarding psychology, while teaching Developmental Psychology and Introduction to Psychology, I always found it fascinating as I dove into each chapter how everything pointed back to a creator. Psychology is considered a science, because all of the theories are based on research, but one thing I always pointed out (strongly I might add) to my students is that science in not fact! Theory is possibility with high probability; not causation.When research is conducted, as the sample size grows the more valid the results (positive or negative correlations) become as it is more representative of the population being studied. The smaller the sample, the less validity the research has, as it is difficult to state that, "this influences this" when there are billions of people and only 25 people were in the study. Small representation.
I digress: in science and psychology, there are always exceptions to the rule, or as I like to call them, "exceptions to the norm". Outside the norm, is where we find God! When we ask why? We find a creator. When we look at how a baby is created and really understand the complexities of what has to occur to make that baby exist, the true miracle is that a child is created at all! Tt points to God Almighty, the Creator, the Designer, the Architect. When we see a baby born at 27 weeks, weighing 2lbs 7 oz, who grows up with no complications or developmental challenges (despite what research says), we see God! There are no absolutes in science or in psychology. It's ever changing. Every day we find out more about how complex our brains really are, we learn new things about our body systems. 43 years ago, science knew nothing about pre-eclampsia or eclampsia and the dangers it expels on an unborn child and the mother. Now we do! It is ever changing and just when we think we have it all figured out, we find out we do not (the earth is flat...NOPE! It's round)!
As we delve deeper in psychology, cancer research, mental health, etc. we find the uniqueness of the individual determines more about how we will respond physically, mentally or spiritually than the norms or research. How we think and interpret the world around us has such a strong empowering control over our health.
This leads to the question, is extrovert and introvert biblical? God has created each of us with special gifts, talents and skills so we can use all of that the serve Him. When we come to Christ as our personal Savior and ask Him to be Lord of our lives, He takes what came out at birth, influenced by our environment and biology, and molds us into what He actually designed us to be! In I Corinthians 12:12-31, the bible clearly states that we are all unique, we all have different gifts and we all have purpose. If you look at I Corinthians 2:1-11, it specifically speaks of spiritual gifts. These gifts are what God has given to us to do His work, but the full potential of those gifts is not tapped until we have come to accept Him as Lord and Savior! He has given us our personality, our abilities and the experiences that we have had over time to acquire skills needed to do the work of the Lord.
When I read over the spiritual gifts, I see where the 16 personalities described in the Myers Briggs assessment relate, or fit into the gifts. However, we cannot do anything without the power of the Lord Almighty. We cannot become what God desires until we know Him and follow Him. Otherwise, the talents, abilities and skills we have are unrefined, unguided and full of worldly wisdom.
Now, just because we are able to take a quiz and it says we are more inclined toward extroversion or introversion (or the other 14 personalities), does not mean that we are stuck in that bubble. It is a continuum, we can fluctuate throughout our lives, depending on where we are in our spiritual walk between needing "fueled" by others or "fueled" by isolation. There is a season and time for everything. Does that mean that when I want to be alone that I am no longer an extrovert? No, it means, God has told me to take a "time out"! The bible specifically talks about taking quiet time to pray; to reset; to realign ourselves with the Almighty. Jesus took time away from the disciples and the crowds to pray (Matthew 14:22-23, Matthew 1:35-37). James 4:8 states, "Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." We cannot know what God wants of us, if we are not silent enough to listen to His voice. Psalms 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.".
Our society is busy, sometimes, so busy that we are doing nothing. There are seasons that even an extrovert is called "to be still" and an introvert is called to step up and out! I have spoken with at least two separate Pastor friends who have stated that they see themselves as introverts. They LOVE people and truly follow the teaching of Paul in regards to loving others as God has called, but both never thought they would be preachers. They don't care for the limelight and do not see themselves as leaders. Surely and extroverted-leader type would be better suited for a pastoral position? Someone who naturally stands out in a crowd and gets energized by being around others. But, this is my own theory (based on a small sample); God did not call them to be shepherd's because they were extroverted or commanded attention as a great leader, but instead, He saw that their hearts were pure in loving others, compassionate hearts, hearts that would break for the downtrodden and uplift the woeful. They have hearts that are ready to do whatever God asked of them, even if it took them out of their comfort zone (which makes us more reliant on the Almighty God). Paul was a great leader, because he had a compassionate, loving heart that preached and taught with deep passion for Christ and love for others.
Is extrovert or introvert biblical? The bible talks about being quiet, meek, bold, peaceful, mindful, and many other characteristics that fall under Myers Briggs Assessment, but the bible does not pigeon toe people into categories of personality and tell them to stay there. Read Matthew 5:3-10 (Beatitudes) for clarity on how God calls us to act. Read about the spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians. Read Philippians 4:8-9 to know more about how we ought to think, which in turn influences our actions and behaviors.
So, personally I say "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13 We can do the things that seem impossible, through Christ alone. We can overcome obstacles, mountains and hard times, because He is on our side.
Also know that there are seasons, (sometimes monthly, weekly, hourly, minute by minute) when you need to rest in Him; reset, refill and be ready to do what He calls you to do, because He made you uniquely YOU! He made you just as you are! He made you and will guide you to serve Him in any way He deems, but in all things His goal is to reach others with the beautiful story of redemption and restoration that is only found through belief in Jesus Christ and acceptance of what He did on the cross for us. God's desire for us does not end there. Yes, He wants us restored through Jesus Christ so we can be with Him in heaven, but He also longs for a relationship with each one of us; a relationship where we can find hope, purpose, peace and joy no matter what life throws at us! This hope, purpose, peace and joy can only be found through the reading of God's Word.
I encourage you to find Jesus. He will give you clarity on why you are who you are and your purpose in this world! He made you uniquely You! Find a bible believing church in your area where God's Word is spoken and where the LOVE of God is shared among the family of God. Churches are full of broken sinful people who ALL need the Lord and I pray that all that walk through the doors of a church are there to learn more about Him, grow closer to Him, accepting that God made each of us different for His purpose and glory. Find a church family, one that accepts you for who you are at this moment, just as God accepts you. A church that prays for you as you walk the path of a new believer, as God shines light on your weaknesses and you allow Him to mold you into a new creation, the creation He made you to be. Find a church that does not expect perfection, but encourages you on your journey to know what it means to be a child of God. God's blessings to you!
"For You formed my inward parts: You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none for them." Psalms 139:13-16.
“Are not five sparrows sold for two [b]copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6
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