Puzzles have always fascinated me. Jigsaw puzzles, word search puzzles, 3D puzzles, any kind of puzzle. Relating to othersat home, at church, at work and at playpresents a puzzle of a different type: the personality puzzle.
In this issue of On Mission we look at four major personality stylesthe Doer, the Influencer, the Relator and the Thinker. We consider how we can be authentic in sharing the gospel, while adjusting our approach to others in light of how God has wired them.
In my family, we have learned how to utilize one anothers strengths to work together in relating to our neighbors. Above all else, my dad is an influencer. Ive never met anyone who finds it so easy to engage others in conversation. As a thinker, Im the member of the family who is most likely to attend to details like the names of neighbors and write them down. My mom, a merciful relator, is usually the family member who calls our neighbors to ask how we can pray for them. Her sincerity often paves the way for them to share prayer needs.
Of course, we then pray for our neighborsindividually and togetherfor their expressed needs as well as for their salvation. Weve discovered that because weve prayed for them by name, were more comfortable in adjusting our personal styles to deepen those friendships and, we hope, to create future opportunities to give a verbal witness.
Its now easier for me to be outgoing and ask questions of our neighbors when I see them. My mom is more comfortable introducing a verbal testimony into conversations. My dad is able to call people by name and invite them to special evangelistic events, because they know he really cares. And while were each doing what we do best, were each learning how to expand our skills in relating and sharing Christ with others.
As comfortable as we may be functioning within our unique personality patterns, God often calls us to stretch a bit outside our own comfort zones, especially when sharing the gospel. Were learning to share Christ in ways that, though initially uncomfortable to us, are needed to stir their interest and make a difference.
Mary Lee Griffith, managing editor, On Missionmgriffith@namb.net