“So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body.  Let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.”( Romans 12:5-6 from The Message)   

The problem Paul recognized in the Galatians is still a problem today.  When we don’t know who we are, we’re susceptible to gift envy or prideful boasting.  We’re prone to becoming ensnared in the performance trap or striving to measure up. We are also open to the torment of the lies of the enemy, low self-worth and rejection.  But when we are fully informed about who we are and our unique combination of personality strengths we are able to move in those strengths instead of wasting time trying to become something we are not.

  We can accept and celebrate who we are and find rest in being that person.  We can concentrate our efforts and energy in performing our function in the Body of Christ and find fulfillment and satisfaction.  

But part of the problem is that we don’t’ even see ourselves as excellently formed.  Psalm 139 tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made so whose report will we believe?   Romans 12: said that we are ”excellently formed and marvelously functioning.”  We look at the size of our nose, the thinness of lips, the hard jaw and delcare ourselves deformed.  But it’s not our physical appearance that allows us to fulfill our purpose and destiny.  We look on the outward appearance but it’s the mind, emotions and will that enables us to develop our gifts and talents to be used for His glory. 

 The next problem is that we don’t know who we are so how can we go ahead and be who we were made to be?  Studying the personalities helps us understand who we are – extrovert or introvert, people or task oriented, scheduled or spontaneous, intense or relaxed, risk taker or comfort zone sitter.  The different strengths don’t make us right or wrong – just different.  We are different in motivation, perception, energy, desires, passions, emotion and thinking for a reason – in order to fulfill our design and function in the Body of Christ.  

The risk taker will blaze new trails while the comfort zone sitter may make a great mediator in difficult situations.  The extrovert will communicate the vision well while the introvert helps to analyze and make plans for effectively fulfilling the vision.  We are different but compliment one another as we function together in the body of Christ.

Go ahead and find out who you are and be who you were made to be –  fearfully and wonderfully made to function marvelously in the body of Christ bringing Him glory and honor with your life.