Well, that’s one of my longer titles! Unfortunately, I couldn’t come up with a clever way to shorten it and still maintain a clear topic.
The whole concept of introvert/extrovert has been bouncing around the fabric of society for decades. And to be clear, I’m not a proponent of pop psychology or any unbiblical explanations for how God has uniquely created each of us.
This post is just using the current social conversation around this whole idea of introvert and extrovert. And frankly, none of us is 100% of either one.
Back when I first heard about these two personality types, here’s what I would understand to be a clear definition of each:
Extrovert: “an outgoing, overtly expressive person”
Introvert: “a shy, reticent person”
Clear and straight-forward. Recently, however, we’ve been hearing a lot about how the way we RECHARGE truly determines which camp we fall most heavily into.
Here’s how that plays into determining where we fall:
“Introverts tend to recharge by spending time alone. They lose energy from being around people for long periods of time, particularly large crowds.
Extroverts, on the other hand, gain energy from other people. Extroverts actually find their energy is sapped when they spend too much time alone. They recharge by being social.” (fastcompany.com)
While I generally don’t like to make secular definitions the heart of my blog posts, I thought we could grant each other a little light-hearted grace with the end goal of applying some biblical principles.
Whew! All that set-up just to get us essentially on the same page! On to the heart of the topic. Here are a few of my observations.
Pros of Being an Introvert
- Your coveted “alone time” gives you greater opportunities to spend quiet time with God through prayer and the study of His Word.
- You’ve likely learned that God is All-Sufficient and you run to him before you run to your family or circle of friends.
Cons of Being an Introvert
- You are more likely to “neglect meeting together” as Hebrews 10:25 warns us against.
- Your evangelism outreach may be hindered by your need to be alone.
Pros of Being an Extrovert
- Your desire to be around others may cause you to be the one reaching out to those who are hurting.
- You are more likely to have the gift of hospitality.
Cons of Being an Extrovert
- You may fail to see God as your most important relationship and your “go-to” Guy.
- You can unknowingly be extremely irritating to introverts!
So that’s a bit of a light-hearted look at this whole social phenomenon. There’s so much more you could throw into these categories and that might be a great exercise for each of you.
Can we learn anything from this semi-shallow analysis? Here are a few possible conclusions to draw, and lessons to learn:
- There is no one right way to engage with the world in which we live.
- God has created us with our unique personalities and social tendencies.
- It’s beneficial to take an honest look at where we primarily land so we can be aware of the pitfalls associated with it.
- Conversely, understanding how this trait can have a positive impact on ourselves and others around us is extremely beneficial.
- God can equip us with the tools we need, EVEN IF they are contrary to our intro/extro mindsets.
- Understanding how we can most compassionately interact with those around us can certainly fall into the category of “loving our neighbor as ourselves.”
In case you were wondering, I would say I’m solidly in the extrovert category! If you feel like sharing where you fall, let us know in the comments.
In the end, this is what is of ultimate importance: God created us in HIS image.
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:13-14
Leave a Reply