Just An Ordinary Person

Have you ever done these personality tests to find out who you are? If yes, have you been pleased with the results? My husband and I, who took one of these tests after 7 years of marriage from a Christian Psychologist working on a dissertation on happy and successful marriage, found out that we were not made for each other. According to the result of their studies on married people, our marriage was least likely to succeed because we were so opposite of each other in our personality and personal goals. It was interesting to find out how incompatible we were at that time, although we love, have been and were still attracted to each other. That was at least ten years ago and we've been married now for over twenty years. Recently I answered a ten question test posted in a natural solutions magazine explaining the three types of energies around us and in us. Since I've never taken one of these types of test before, it was interesting to find out what the result will be.

This test outlined that one can increase energy levels by paying attention to the different times of the day, time of year and stages of life one is in. Ayurveda, which is India 's oldest known system of medicine, is a type of thinking that “like increases like.” It claimed to reveal that life forces are present as three different energies, or doshas. These forces called metabolic types or constitutions are not only in us but also govern everything in the universe. So the suggestion was that once you know your constitution type, it was preferable to bring elements of the other types unlike your element around you if you were to keep a balanced energy.

After reading through the instructions given and taking the test, I found out that I was predominant in only one type. I was of this certain type of constitution and I needed to do certain things to keep my energy level high. However, after passing the test to two other people, I ask them to check my answers, answer the questions as to how they saw me, and to compare our answers, I was told that I didn't answer the questions truthfully. My friends stated that I picked the wrong answers for three questions. They were emphatic that their answers to some of the questions in my case were more accurate of who I am than my own answers. Did I perceive myself differently than who I am? Did my answers reveal who I wanted to be? Are my friends' perceptions of me accurate? Who Am I Really? Who knows?

I was appalled! The worse thing is that after computing their answers, I found out that I could have all constitution types, which did not make much sense. These reminded me of one of my children telling me one day that I probably have and have manifested all the personality types that existed at times. I wonder if anyone can trust these tests, or is it I? Isn't it strange how other people opinions or impressions of us can often clash with who and what we think we are? Am I the only one wanting to know how I am being perceived by others? Even Jesus also wanted to know who people think he, the son of man, was (Matthew 16:15-16). Saul also inquired of Jesus, “Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 9:5). Probably Saul wanted to know Jesus' name, but I think his question was deeper than just knowing a name.

Anyways, as I was being amused by all the talk around me, my mind was going in another direction and I was thinking about who God says that I am. My Father, the Creator of heavens and earth and all things states that I am created in his image. I have the divine nature in me. He says that I am a daughter of the Most High God beautifully and wonderfully made. He says that I am dead to sins and alive to God. He says that I am anointed. He says that I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, holy and living in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Father says that I am co-heir with Christ, carved in the palm of his hand and the apple of his eyes.

Agreeing to such declarations of Father about me, I know that I am black and beautiful, dearly loved, accepted in the beloved and forgiven. I also declare by faith that I am strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. I declare that I am as Father's mouth as I utter what is precious and not what is worthless. I declare that no weapons formed against me will prosper. I declare that I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. I declare that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I declare that the joy of the Lord is my strength. I declare that I live by faith and not by sight. I declare that as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. I declare that the Lord is my shepherd I do not need anything.

The faith that I am claiming is the faith that is sure of what it hopes for and certain of what it does not see. I praise the Lord with my whole heart for the wonderful great works he has done and is doing in my life. I praise the Lord for being my hiding place and my shield. I praise the Lord for giving me good judgment, understanding and hope in his Word. And I praise the Lord for giving me great peace and for not allowing me to stumble because I love his way.

Because of whose I am and his love for me, I consider myself blessed and highly favored. I feel free to make mine the words of Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:12 that go: “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold and make mine that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me by making me his own.” And one day I will be part of a glorified group of people called King and Lord as Jesus will be King of Kings and Lord of Lords. As you look at your life, do you have any faith in Father and his Word? At the question, “Who am I really?” My answer is, “Just an ordinary person.” By the way, do you know who you are?

Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it! (Luke 11:28)

Marie Monaus 31 Oct '09