Have you ever been made to feel substandard because you’re an introvert? Or felt like you are one lone introvert trying to survive in a world of extroverts. Most introverts would give a resounding, “yes”. A few extremists go as far as to contend it is wrong, even sinful, for a Christian to be an introvert. However, several studies reveal that up to half or more of the population are introverts, including Christians. You might be saying, “There’s no mention of introverts and extroverts in Scripture. Why write about it?” You are correct these now common terms weren’t coined until 1920. Nonetheless, the Holy Spirit has filled the Bible with examples of people’s personalities and how this affected their ministries. In addition, including myself, many believers have struggled to reach God’s full potential because they feel defective and damaged for being introverted.
The first truth we must understand, and embrace is being introverted isn’t a liability rather it is a gift of God just as are your talents and spiritual gifts. God made you a unique person because He has a purpose for you. Introverts can thrive and enjoy ministries and professions that would bore and frustrate an extrovert. David tells us, God formed your inward parts (mind and heart); He wove you together in your mother’s womb. This includes your personality whether introvert or extrovert. All the days ordained for you were written in His book before one of them came to be (Ps 130: 13, 16 NIV). The Lord told Jeremiah, “Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations-that’s what I had in mind for you” (1:5 MSG).
One Biblical example of different personalities comes through Paul and Barnabas ministering as a team. It’s not hard to visualize Paul as a strong outgoing extrovert. Some described him as an ambitious entrepreneur. He made decisions based on logic; he set rules and deadlines. Paul stuck to his plans. Barnabas on the other hand exhibited the characteristics of an introvert. His emotions affected his decisions. Rules and deadlines were flexible. Some have called him the loyal idealist. Midway their first missionary journey, leadership roles changed from Barnabas and Saul, i.e. Paul (Act 13:7) to Paul and his companions (v13). Paul’s personality drew him toward being the leader versus being a follower. Barnabas’ mellow accommodating disposition allowed him to be comfortable with this change. But I wonder if this influenced Barnabas’ cousin John Marktoleave them and returned to Jerusalem?
Regardless, Mark’s departure later created a conflict between Barnabas and Paul. Their personalities became obvious. Paul proposed a second journey to revisit the cities where they preached the Gospel. Barnabas an encourager and idealist wanted to give Mark a second chance. Not so with Paul. Mark had failed and abandoned them. He would just get in the way and disrupt his planned agenda. Such a sharp disagreement happened they parted company (Acts 15:39). The words sharp disagreement means a sharp fit of anger or sharp contention even to the point of screaming and shouting at each other. Remember, these were Spirit-filled men but had not learned to appreciate their differences. Paul does mention Barnabas in a passing reference in 1 Corin 9:6 suggesting reconciliation could have taken place. Paul also grew in his perception of Mark’s gifts. In his last letter, Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry (2Tim 4:11).
These are only two examples, but every Bible character received a distinct personality. Note these: Luke, an introvert; prodigal son, an extrovert; Peter, an extrovert; Noah, an introvert; Jeremiah, an introvert. The following facts should encourage you. Personalities are not something learned in life, they are traits with which we are born. Science now confirms our brains are hard wired to be either introvert or extrovert. Remember, God made us for His purpose. We cannot change our basic personality. If you try, you will only end up miserable, unhappy, and unfulfilled. I know because of pressure from others, I’ve tried and failed. Also important is to be aware that extroverts get energy being around people and develop an extensive social network. They thrive when they are the center of attention. Introverts on the other hand become emotionally drained from being around people especially large groups. They are happiest in small groups or dialoguing with one individual. We don’t enjoy small talk. Introverts aren’t being unfriendly when they withdraw. We require downtime alone to process and recharge.
Embrace who God created and gifted you to be, including those inborn characteristics like your personality. Serve the purpose He ordained for your life. Don’t let the ignorance of the world keep you in bondage.
Sustaining Word for the Week: God made introverts too! You aren’t substandard, defective, or damaged. You aren’t alone, God needed a lot of us.