"I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.” Psalms 139:14-15
Prayer and Feasting day 2
How Are You Wired? Ever wish you were better at something or found yourself wondering what it would be like to have some other personality traits?
Temperament studies are commonly used in vocational guidance these days. They can be useful in the church as well. How do we find out who we are in Christ and use our personalities to honor Him? Recognizing our strengths and weaknesses assists us in making use of our God-given talents and abilities in ministry to others.
Paul Cantrell in “A Study of Temperament from a Biblical Viewpoint,” describes temperament as the combination of inborn traits that subconsciously affect people’s behavior. Traits based on hereditary factors, nationality, race, and sex determine whether we are outgoing and extroverted or shy and introverted. Character is the result of one’s natural temperament being modified by childhood training, general education, basic attitudes, beliefs, principles and motivations. Personality is our outward expression, the “face” we show to others. Each temperament makes a contribution to the wellbeing of mankind. Once we have seen where our strengths lie, we can concentrate on making those attributes more effective.
If you search the internet you’ll quickly find tools for assessing your temperamental makeup. It’s informative and helpful. Whatever your personality type, it’s what we do with it and how we relate to God and others that matters most. We use these traits to seek Him, to serve Him and testify to His grace.
How has God equipped you to function in the world? What are your strengths? Can you identify your weaknesses? Characteristics or behaviors that would hamper our witness can be dealt with by looking to the Lord for answers. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
Prayer theme for today: You Made Me
Prayer for Today: "Lord, thank you for making me the way You did. May I appreciate the unique design in me and may I use this for Your glory. Help me use my strengths and use my talents to faithfully live as a child of God. I want nothing more than for You to be pleased. I want my life to be a living sacrifice and I want to be Your representative to the world." Amen.