At our church, we talk a lot about Personality Types, Spiritual Gifts & Love Languages.

Some people don't like personality types because it reminds them too much of labels. I used to feel that way - until I learned more about them. Now, several years later, I so appreciate the understanding that I have gained about myself and others as I have learned about all of the different personality types, spiritual gifts and love languages.

Each individual is a creation of God. God created you! He decided who your parents would be. He decided what your genetics would be. He decided what your core personality style would be. He chose specific spiritual gifts for you. He created you to appreciate and feel encouraged by different expressions of love. All things considered, there is no one else quite like you.

Considering the obvious - that God doesn't have to create anyone that He doesn't want to - you have to face the fact that He created you on purpose! He created you on purpose and He has created you for a purpose! Now that's exciting!

I used to look at myself and not be very happy about what I saw. To be fair and honest, I used to be quite a mess. I know that God has accomplished a lot in me in the seven years that I have been a Christian. Still, there is a lot about me that I am just not thrilled with.

I jump to conclusions. I see things very black and white. I like right to be right and wrong to be wrong. I don't trust others easily. I can tend to be suspicious of motivations. Giving encouragement to others doesn't come easy. Neither does mercy. I look at other people who do encourage others readily and who do extend mercy and I wish I could be more like them. But at the same time, I get aggravated when those merciful encouragers seem to ignore obvious sin! Grrr!

We all have one time or another compared our personality and gifts to another's. Some have asked, like I have, "Why can't everyone just think like I do!?" Oh Thank God that that won't happen! The world would be a pretty scary place!

By understanding core personality types, I have learned that I am indeed "fearfully and wonderfully made" by my Creator. He gave me this personality! He gave me the spiritual gifts that He wanted me to have! This is not, as you might fear, a license to be a suspicious, crabby, critical old fuddy-duddy! Instead, it is my responsibility to live my life in submission to the Holy Spirit, who will bring out the best in my personality and gifts.