© Copyright 2007 Theresa Harvard Johnson
(Inspired by a message I heard from my graduation from Kingdom University this year. I just can't get this out of my spirit.)
I love the Lord. Over the years, I've learned to love His people and the sound that he has given them. I often talk about how each person represents a "facet" of God. It's kind of like looking at the different cuts in a diamond — not a single one of them are exactly alike. Yet, each one is cut with such precision and care that the process, within itself, is time consuming and deliberate. In our human nature, just thinking about this stretches the mind beyond its limits.
Jeremiah 1:5 says: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.."
Psalm 139:1-4 says: " LORD, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me.
You know my down sitting and my uprising; You understand my thought afar off. You sift and search out my path and my lying down, and You are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue [still unuttered], but, behold, O Lord, You know it altogether."
God Knows our personality. The state of our character and EVERY unique attribute. Through Jesus Christ he tears down down things that are UNLIKE him through the renewing of our mind. But guess what, he DOES NOT change our personality — that part of us that make us UNIQUE. By applying the fruit of the spirit to our mind, however, our CHARACTER is tempered and changed. The result is a new attitude and new behaviors.
Some people don't know the different between a person's "personality" and a person's "character." As a result, many spend their lives trying to change their personality to fit what they "think" it should be instead of changing what can really be affected — one's character.
Quick Definitions:
CHARACTER: The inherent complex of attributes that determine a persons moral and ethical actions and reactions. An example of character would be: "Tashia is quick tempered, and often says what she feels and thinks – regardless of what others around her may be experiencing. She's brash and rude, and has no sense of timing or protocol. If it's the truth, she just says it."
In this example, you see that what "Tashia" thinks is her personality, is truly a serious character flaw that needs the love of God applied to it.
PERSONALITY: The dynamically organized totality of personal traits which distinguish one person from others. An example here would be, "Tashia always speaks assertively, and tends to be serious. She rarely speaks unless she has something to say. She has a command of words, and is able to articulate clearly what needs to be said with forcefulness. Yet, it is easily received, even in sharpness, because of her ability to deliver the message with respect to protocols, timing and a tempered heart."
You see, in the examples provided, God gave "Tashia" a strong, BOLD personality. She is able to convey her thoughts and convictions with power and strength — yet not offend with flaws caused by bad character. We must understand that OUR SOUND is embedded within our God-given personalities.
I've received much criticism because my sound tends to be "preachy" — even as a poet. But the sound God has given me, reflects that of a "PREACHER." Why? Because in my heart … that is who God is building me to be. I am, and forever, will be a PREACHING PROPHET. That sound will come through my poetry, short stories, sermons, teachings … and whatever else God inspires.
The point here is this: Do NOT ALLOW PEOPLE to cause you to reject or change your sound. Your sound is developed through the PERSONALITY that God has embedded in you.
I've met ministers who are very "sweet natured" so to speak. They teach soft, they pray softly and they minister in a very, very quiet nature. This is a direct contradiction to who I perceive myself to be. (smile) Yet, in the Kingdom of God THIS IS A BALANCE. WE NEED SOFT SPOKEN preachers, teachers and writers. I cannot force my PERSONALITY on someone else. (Let's be clear here, I'm not talking about TIMID people!) I've met soft spoken preachers and teachers who can cut and shatter devils with their sound.
Finding "Your Sound" is a matter of identifying the "voice" God within you.
Take a look at this:
A person's personality can range from being serious and peaceful to quiet and reserved. There are people who are very inquisitive and they ask many, many questions. There are others who are quiet, kind and conscientous all the time. Everytime you see them, they are giving gifts and offering words of encouragement. Then, there are others who are reflective, idealistic, and somewhat analytical. Each one of them, however, have been equipped with the personality needed to perform their assignment for the Kingdom.
It's time to walk in WHO YOU ARE! Take control of the voice and heart that "you" write with, sing with, speak with, dance with, etc. Stop trying to change your personality AND STOP TRYING TO CHANGE THE PERSONALITY OF OTHERS!!!!!!!!!! Instead, allow the fruit of the Spirit to temper your personality, and develop CHARACTER in you.
Once that character is developed, then it will shine through everything you do for God. It will activate the LAW OF ACCEPTANCE in your life. You see, Christ accepted us all. He never once focused on the personalities of his disciples, he EMBRACED THEM… and pulled on their strengths. Every Peter needs a James, every David needs a Jonathan, every Paul needs a Timothy…
When your CHARACTER changes under the hand of God, your attitude changes. When your attitude changes, the personality God sent with you from heaven shines forth. It is with this refined "mind of Christ" that we can earnestly go forth in fullness in ministry.
Philippians 2:5-8
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
