That's just the way I am!

Our personalities shape a great deal of how we approach life. The best traits of our personalities can be a powerful tool in accomplishing our goals. Too often, however, our weaknesses hold us back. Most of us don't know how to address those. Rather, we choose to complain about them or ignore them.

Romans 9:19b-23 provides some interesting insights to human nature.

19 ... “Why does God blame people for not responding? Haven’t they simply done what he makes them do?”

In responding to our weaknesses, we often say, "That's just the way I am." We may even blame God because he made us a certain way. What does God say?

20 No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn’t he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into?

We often talk about a greater purpose for which God made us. However, I also believe that God has specific plans for each of us. For those who know him, he is at work in us (Philippians 1:6). We must learn to embrace how God made us and approach life to be the best that we can be for his purposes. Why? Because God loves us and prepared us in advance so that we could be a part of his story, bringing glory to him in the way we live.

22 In the same way, even though God has the right to show his anger and his power, he is very patient with those on whom his anger falls, who are destined for destruction. 23 He does this to make the riches of his glory shine even brighter on those to whom he shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory.

So, what are some practical ways to view our personality traits. First of all, we should accentuate the positives. Leverage your strengths to have the maximum influence and impact in your life's interactions. One caution, when used inappropriately, a strength can become a weakness. For example, someone who has initiative and likes to take charge can become controlling. We need to be careful to keep the positive a positive.

Second, complement your weaknesses. There are two ways to approach your weaknesses. If you can correct, learn, and improve in an area, do so. Practice. Improve by making things a habit. Don't exhaust yourself in this if the weakness is ingrained.

If it is ingrained, you're best to surround yourself with people or techniques to address the weakness. If you manage details well, but aren't creative. Find people who are creative and benefit from their gifts. If you aren't very organized but have lots of ideas, find people who are administrators.

Third, and probably the most important, pray for strength. Jesus' promise actually states that truth which can turn our weaknesses into our greatest strength (2 Corinthians 12:9):

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Study yourself. Become self-aware. Focus on what you can do well. Rethink your weaknesses. Get help where you need it. Trust in the power of God in your life.