When I married Diane I had no concept concerning personalities. Well, a loose concept, I guess… but not a workable knowledge by any means. Then she showed me Myers Briggs, and I began t0 understand why others thought and responded to things differently than I. (That has been one of the most valuable things to me in my dealings with others, whether socially or professionally.)
In Romans, chapter 12, Paul gives a view of different personalities. (I have a great teaching on that section of scripture.) One of the personalities is that of “teacher”. I’m a teacher… It’s part of what makes me good at my job. As a result of the gifting I am analytical, observant, and have a tendency to want to impart knowledge to anyone who wants it (or doesn’t want it). It’s who I am… It’s how I do things… It’s a major part of how I approach life.
In Ephesians, chapter 5, Paul also provides a list of the “five-fold ministry gifts”. I fit in that list, too… as a teacher. (You might say I’m a teacher-teacher.) With the teacher ministry gift God has equipped me with an anointing to find simple and clear ways to teach the Word of God for practical application. And I’m good at it because of that anointing (equipping).
With this combination, the thing I really have to be aware of is that I don’t get so caught up in having a clear understanding (or knowledge) of principles, but that I also work at applying that knowledge in my own life. I don’t want to be like the college professor who knows the subject inside and out, but has no experiential knowledge that enables him to use that knowledge in some practical way (that would make money).
I’d much rather have a mechanic work on my car if he has something beyond book learning. (“Yes, I’ve read all the Chilton’s manuals. You can give me a test and I’ll answer all the questions correctly.”) I’d rather have the guy who understands the feel of the torque wrench, so he knows how tight to turn that bolt, or how to maneuver so he can reach another bolt effectively. He’s learned by experience, and has a practical understanding of the subject.
We learn better when we get into something and tinker with it. When doing so we will find nuances about what we’ve learned, and we prove that knowledge out. Paul says we should prove all things and hold to what is true. So… in exercising my gifting, I work at teaching from experience, rather than from a clear understanding of principle. By doing so, you can benefit.
And that’s the result that really excites someone with my gifts.
