Get to know your own personality traits
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb.”
— Psalms 139:13 (NIV)
What is it that makes us the unique persons that we are? It’s our personality!
God created each of us with a unique mix of personality traits. These qualities make us distinct from anyone else. We may notice our personalities are similar to someone else we know, or even our parents or siblings. However, there is still something a little bit remarkable about us.
I found that by understanding my personality a little better, I could embrace my unique qualities and comprehend why I enjoy doing the things I do. I could also recognize my strengths and weaknesses.
By weaknesses I don’t not mean sins. Rather, the areas in our personality and skills (such as tasks and communication) where we are not as strong. An example being, some people are naturally more outgoing, where others tend to be more reserved and take more time to get know people. I can already see some of these traits in my grandchildren as I watch them grow up.
There are many good Christian books that offer personality tests and provide details regarding the characteristics of our unique personality types. From what I have studied, I noticed there are specific characteristics we can possess.
One personality trait is a strong ability to lead. This type of person takes charge of a situation. Another personality type may be more stable and not quite as up and down with emotions as others. Someone else may tend to be easygoing and have a calming effect on the people around them. Where others tend to be naturally more vivacious and excited about life, some are deep thinkers and take things more seriously and think them through.
Although it’s fun to know what characteristics we tend to possess, when we take a personality test, we usually find out we have a blend of different traits from each type. We also have many other variables that cause us to be unique individuals. God uses our life experiences and spiritual level of maturity to knit the way we perceive and handle situations.
Taking time to discover new things about ourselves can be fun and change the way we feel about ourselves and the way we relate to others. It can also help us understand why people relate to us the way they do.
Jesus explained “ … the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Some of those truths are things we learn about ourselves. Learning the truth about ourselves can free us from comparing ourselves with others. This sets us apart from others to fulfill God’s intended purpose for our lives.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author of the book “Letters To A Friend,” speaker, life and writing coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com.