Four factors influencing movement

When I last week wrote about passion, I introduced the first of four factors of importance for my mission as a follower of Christ:

1) Passion
2) Personality 

3) Talents
4) Spiritual gifts

They are all part of my identity as a disciple. Today I want to share a few thoughts about personality. When I read how Jesus chose the twelve disciples who he should train for three years, I am so glad to discover how different personalities they had. I am also grateful to Luke for reminding us that

The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others.
Luk 8:1b-3

Like their male colleagues, the women were very different both with regard to personality, social background and status. Sometimes I meet people who have lost momentum because they say: 

“I am not like that!” 

They compare themselves with other Christians and think that their personality does not fit in. When we look at the first group of followers, we see that there were no status, gender or personality issues. An extrovert and impulsive Peter could easily walk alongside an introvert Thomas who needed time to check out more facts before he was ready to move. There was space close to Jesus for both of them - when Thomas moved, he moved in the right direction. Peter sometimes also moved in the wrong direction. All the same, realising he was on the wrong track, there was a way back to Jesus even for Peter. In close relationship with Jesus, our personalities will be refined and the beautiful nuances preserved.

‘Manna’ for today:

In Jesus there is room for everyone.

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