Why do some people always take charge in a group while others don’t? Why are some people naturally confrontational and bold while others aren’t? Why are some people easier to talk to than others? Why are some people task-oriented while others tend to be people-oriented? It could be a matter of “personality”...a natural inclination you are born with.

   Jesus describes the members of the kingdom of heaven as different kinds of fish caught in a net. "Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.” (Matthew 13:47) Inside of God’s fishing net, there are different kinds of people (fish), each with his or her own unique personality. God has designed the kingdom of heaven to be a melting pot of personality types--each with its own strengths, designed to build up the church, which is Christ’s body (Eph. 1:22-23). God has given each individual a talent! Our brother Paul says in Romans 12:6-8, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Whatever we have that is good, God has given it to us (Romans 12:3) and that which is useful to the church of God should not be buried, but instead, be put to practical use! Not all the members of the body of Christ have the same function (Romans 12:4), but each has his or her respective place and task! Some are called to one sort of work, while others are called to another sort of work. Each member has his or her own function that will be beneficial to the whole body and every other member of the body. Each member’s personality trait help us to become more well-rounded individuals. Each talent has the potential to instruct us and to bring us to maturity! A leader teaches us to lead while a servant teaches us to serve! We are called, as members of God’s family, to do all the good we can one to another. Each of us are essential to the growth of the body! You are essential! Glorify God with your talents!

Key Text:                       Matthew 13:47

"Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. "

Theme:

The kingdom of heaven is open to all who accept the message and get baptized (Acts 2:36-41). God does not show favoritism, but instead He invites all personality types into His church; each with their particular strengths and weaknesses. We, in Christ, are called to bead with one another. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2) By being humble and gentle we will make the opportunity for fellowship. And by this fellowship, we will be able to benefit from one another’s positive attributes and strengthen one another’s weaknesses!

Application:

Here are some practical suggestions:

1. Honor.  We need to honor each other’s talents and

    abilities. Recognize the strengths of that person and

     imitate those strengths!

2. See yourself as a teacher or a coach. If you are

   helping someone with their weakness, be helpful.

   Keep in mind that you are trying to help someone

    improve!

3. Show you care! Express your sincere concern

    about sharing ways the other person can boost his or

    her talents!

4. Show how the person will benefit from taking the

    actions you suggest!

5. Be sure you yourself can take correction, otherwise

     you may not be perceived as a credible source!

May the Lord richly bless you!

Valuing One Another’s Differences

“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture,

‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.” James 2:8

Practical Ways To A Loving Relationship

I. Last Week: Key To Happiness

1. Minister to the needs of others (Lk. 22:26-27)

2. Reasons for unhappiness

    a. We choose not to be happy

    b. We plus into things that fail

II.  Appreciating Personality Differences

      A. Recognize The Value!

         1. Romans 12:10

             a. honor (Gk. time=of high cost or worth)

             b. Value is a result of knowledge

      B. Four Types Of Personalities

         1. The “L” Type (Lion)

             a. Category: Fast paced task-oriented

             b. Strengths: Courageous; Take charge;

                                 Get results; Confident

             c. Weaknesses: Impatient; Pushy; Overly

                                     Persistent

         2. The “O” Type (Otter)

             a. Category: Fast paced people-oriented

             b. Strengths: Enthusiastic; Well-liked;

                                 Optimistic; Emotional

             c. Weaknesses: Disorganized; Not detailed

                                     oriented; Unrealistic

         3. The “G” Type (Golden Retriever)

             a. Category: Slow paced people-oriented

             b. Strengths: Patient; Easy-going;

                                 Calming influence; Team player

             c. Weaknesses: Indecisive; Too passive;

                                     Non-confrontational

        4. The “B” Type (Beaver)

             a. Category: Slow Paced Task-oriented

             b. Strengths: Accurate; Practical;

                                 Conscientious; Organized

             c. Weaknesses: Tend to be late; make one feel

                                     uncomfortable

III. Conclusion:

       Draw from each other’s strengths!

       Honor each personality type!

Warm-up:

Use a body part (kidneys, lungs, eyes, etc.) as an emotional word picture to describe your best personality trait. Explain why you chose that particular body part of organ.

See To It                                             Romans 12:3-8

1-     What is the physical body made up of? Does each part have the same characteristic? Explain.

2-     Are all the parts essential? Give an example of a body part that is different from the other parts, yet essential to the whole body.

3-     What is the body of Christ? What is it made up of? Is each member essential? Explain.

4-     List the personality traits mentioned in these passages. Use the following type: Lion=Take Charge Type; Otter=Inspirational Type; Golden Retriever=Sensitive Type; Beaver=Instructional Type

5-     Why is variety in the body of Christ essential?

Seeing It Closer        

1-     Do we need the body of Christ? In what way do we benefit from the variety of personalities? Be specific.

2-     According to the Scriptures, are you an essential part of the body? What is your greatest personality strength? How can this benefit the body of Christ?

Getting To It:

Each member of the physical body has its particular form, place and use. The smallest part is part of the whole body. In the Lord’s Body, the Church, every member is significant: from the lowliest to the noblest. All His members are dear to Him and all where purchased with His blood. As we recognize the need of Christ in our lives, we, in turn, recognize the need of each other. Each individual member has the potential to offer the other members of His body goodness, strength, and encouragement through the gifts given by the Holy Spirit of God.  You are vital!