I’ve had a journey similar to yours (although I stepped back outside of Lent). It was the self-focus, and the realization that ultimately that focus leads to self-centered choices and behavior, that led me to skepticism. I’d also noticed I used these artificial identities to define me rather than God, which sealed the deal. I still see INFP tendencies in myself, but after stepping back, those pop psych quizzes are a tool, nothing else, and certainly not the final word.
I used to work for a psychological testing company so I took the Myers-Briggs several times. My results revealed me as a moderately high introvert, but a borderline NFP. Other tests I've taken land me in the middle or close to the center of the designated categories as well. I like to think that it's hard to put my temperament or personality into a box. And I don't think God sees us that way either. For Lent I've had the practice of doing one small thing each day that brings me closer to God.
Have tried most of these. But in the end they are explanations not excuses. They are launching points not walls. And mostly narcissistic. We are what God says we are, sinful and redeemed.
I was really interested in personality profiles throughout my early twenties. I came to a better understanding of myself in a lot of ways ( this was comforting and a relief at times!), but ultimately I became overly aware of myself. My focus was not on my identity in Christ, but on my personal proclivities ( and justifying them). There are pros and cons to knowing our personalities better as with everything. But we'd do well to remember that God is the one who formed us, who understands us completely...so we need to turn to Him for enlightenment about ourselves.
I’ve had a journey similar to yours (although I stepped back outside of Lent). It was the self-focus, and the realization that ultimately that focus leads to self-centered choices and behavior, that led me to skepticism. I’d also noticed I used these artificial identities to define me rather than God, which sealed the deal. I still see INFP tendencies in myself, but after stepping back, those pop psych quizzes are a tool, nothing else, and certainly not the final word.
I used to work for a psychological testing company so I took the Myers-Briggs several times. My results revealed me as a moderately high introvert, but a borderline NFP. Other tests I've taken land me in the middle or close to the center of the designated categories as well. I like to think that it's hard to put my temperament or personality into a box. And I don't think God sees us that way either. For Lent I've had the practice of doing one small thing each day that brings me closer to God.
Have tried most of these. But in the end they are explanations not excuses. They are launching points not walls. And mostly narcissistic. We are what God says we are, sinful and redeemed.
No thank you to personality tests. Yes to the Bible! 😀
I was really interested in personality profiles throughout my early twenties. I came to a better understanding of myself in a lot of ways ( this was comforting and a relief at times!), but ultimately I became overly aware of myself. My focus was not on my identity in Christ, but on my personal proclivities ( and justifying them). There are pros and cons to knowing our personalities better as with everything. But we'd do well to remember that God is the one who formed us, who understands us completely...so we need to turn to Him for enlightenment about ourselves.