Bro. Eli,
I am an introvert, a loner, a social aloof, but as I see the biblical principles of a Church, it requires teamwork, which I find it difficult in my part, not that I don’t want to help, but I am rather having an “inferiority complex.” Now, is the concept of “individuality”, “minority”, and “introversion” from mankind against God’s will? Do I have to undergo a change of personality so that I can meet the demands of the Church that requires social interaction with the brotherhood?
Paxton Drummond
chairperson@doramail.com
Dear Introvert Paxton,
One of the most important teachings of the Bible is ‘renewal’.
(II Corinthians 5:17) “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
A Christian is a renewed person. This is achieved by the intervention of the spirit of God.
(Psalms 51:10) “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
The Apostle Paul assured us that this is the work of God and not of ourselves.
(Titus 3:5) “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost…”
It is impossible for man to be renewed by himself.
(Jeremiah 10:23) “O lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.”
Especially, if we are accustomed to sinning.
(Jeremiah 13:23) “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.”
It is only God, and God alone, that can cause the proper rectification in our person.
(Proverbs 16:9) “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”
For you information, I was also a former introvert. I used to feel uneasy when I was with people. I did not want to talk with them; and was always afraid that I might commit mistakes and be spurned; but the renewal promised by the Holy Scriptures happened in my person. Now, I love to talk to people. I want to be with them. Hear stories from them; know their wishes, and be of help in the best manner I can (of course, with God’s help). This I have achieved because of faith. As the saying goes: “Faith can move mountains”.
(Matthew 17:20) “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
By faith, Noah built an enormous ship for the salvation of his family.
(Hebrews 11:7) “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”
By faith, Sarah was given strength to bear Isaac at the age of almost 100 years.
(Hebrew 11:11) “Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.”
By faith, Moses stood against an empire and liberated his people, Israel.
(Hebrews 11:24-27) “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.”
By faith, an introvert can be an extrovert!
I have learned to trust, not on my own capacity, but with the power and the capacity of my Creator. To whom all honor and glory and praises is due, forever and ever. AMEN!
God bless,
EFS