I’ll be in Atlanta for the next two Mondays (*oh yes!* *happy dance!*), so I’ll be scheduling here the last of the personality posts. This is also buying me time to finish the final edits of Dragons and Dirt: The truth about changing the world – and the courage it requires. Ten Mondays left ‘til the launch on Thursday 27^th November, Deo volente – print and Kindle editions. (*pinch myself* *big yay* *so excited* *even more grateful* *also very scared*)

. . .

Everyone has a blind spot. Literally. It’s the point of entry of the optic nerve on the retina, and it’s insensitive to light.

We all have personality blind spots too. Areas where the truth about ourselves is obstructed. The fantastic thing about being created for community is that God gives us people who see things we don’t, and fill our gaps. We need to trust those people – our cell groups, close friends, prayer warriors – to cover our weaknesses, which will allow us to magnify our strengths. Doing this – embracing personality diversity in the church – brings freedom. It means we’re free to not have to do everything – or be involved everywhere. In fact, we’re not supposed to. Even super competent, multi-talented people shouldn’t do everything, all the time. They need the help and insight – the gap-filling – of others.

Personality blind spots can also obstruct our view of the church. In a sermon some weeks ago, our pastor mentioned how so many churchgoers in contemporary society are all about being satisfied. They want church done on their terms. According to their needs and desires – and personality preferences.

When we lose perspective we get demanding. When we stop seeing what church is actually all about – meeting with others to build our faith and theirs – we start wanting church to be about what suits us. As soon as our focus is back on Jesus and being the fragrance of hope in a desperate world, then we can see again how spacious our community is – how much room there is for a diversity of personalities.

Point to ponder

I need others to help me to see myself, and I need others to help me to see Jesus.

‘Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.’ Philippians 2:1-5

. . .

How can you use your personality to build up the faith of others in the community, and to encourage them to be more like Jesus?

Sending you enormous thanks for journeying with me. I’d love to hear from you. You can sign up to get these posts sent to your inbox every Monday, or follow me on Facebook or Twitter.