Posted on by Amanda Joy Beguerie

I’m A Christian, And Also An Introvert

Woman, Mountain

As you all probably know…I’m an introvert.

INFJ, to be exact, which just so happens to be the rarest personality type in the world.

As an introvert, I enjoy solitude, find my best friendships one-on-one (as opposed to in a group setting), and I feel most comfortable at home. Preferably with a book, cup of tea or coffee, and gentle music in my earbuds.

All bookishness aside (though I would gladly talk about my love for books for hours), it’s part of my personality that I’m not very much of a social butterfly. I love people…one-on-one.

I find that a lot of times I lose myself in a group and find myself off to the side. I’d much rather converse with one friend than contribute to a group conversation in which we talk about pointless things.

That’s just who I am, and I’m still trying to accept the fact that 90% of my friends are extroverts and introverts understand me so much more. But it’s okay.

See, as humans, we all are different. Very different in fact. There’s not a right or a wrong personality, just like it’s not right to be a bus driver and wrong to be a waiter. Everyone has different gifts, and they’re all really important, especially as Christians.

God made us all with a purpose and a plan!

Psalm 139:14

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

For me, that’s a relief, because a lot of times, I feel like there must be something wrong with me. Social situations can be quite awkward, even if I know exactly what’s going on. Why don’t I just connect with friendly people my age?

Although I can’t really answer that, because I don’t really know, I do know that I have a purpose.

1 Corinthians 12:14-18

For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.

I’ve come to understand that there’s nothing really wrong with me. I’m a rare introvert, and while I wish I had closer friendships, God has made me to be me. And I have a purpose in an extroverted world…even when it seems as though I’m a circular puzzle piece in a square-jigsaw-puzzle of a world.

As a Christian, I’m realizing that while having a unique personality is all well and good, it’s really important what we do with it.

Do I keep quiet about my faith in compromising situations because I’m “not comfortable” with speaking up and obeying my convictions?

Do I ignore the New Kid because I feel like introducing myself will be awkward?

Do I refuse to serve at church in a position that’s out of my comfort zone?

Do I ignore the Holy Spirit’s prompting to share the Gospel because “it doesn’t feel right”?

This is where, as a member of the Body of Christ, I can get in trouble.

Because God doesn’t call us specifically to comfort.

Oh yes, He uses us right where we are. In fact, I don’t know if I’d be blogging if I spoke all these words instead of writing them.

But if God calls us to do something, we are wrong to refuse it because it’s “not our thing”.

We are all different, but we are all called to be salt and light in a dark world, and to share the Gospel.

It’s never easy, and it’s something that I think we all need to work on.

So, I’m going to take advantage of who God has made me to be. Places like this blog give me the opportunity to share my faith. Having close friendships help me to have meaningful discussions about important matters. Solitude helps me to get to know who God is more and more. When it’s quiet, and I feel alone, I remember that God is always with me and He will never leave.

But also, I’m going to take advantage of the opportunities that God puts in my path to serve Him, and I’m not going to rely on comfort to make decisions for me.

I have decided that I will live my life for my Lord, who has loved me first and saved my soul. It doesn’t matter if befriending someone is awkward; if God is nudging me to do something, I will do it. For living for Him is all that matters. Here and Now will fade away, but God stands for all eternity.

My personality doesn’t get me off the hook for serving God. I have a part to play in this world. I have so many opportunities, both within my comfort zone and outside of it, and I’m not going to give them up.

2 Timothy 1:8-9

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began[.]

We have a holy calling. Isn’t that amazing? Let’s follow after God in what He is calling us to do, both in what comes easy, and what we have to rely on God’s strength for.

It’s not about us, it’s about Him.

Yes, I’m still an introvert. But yes, I am still a Christian. I have a different personality than most people, and I have a place in the Body of Christ. But I’m not limited…for God has plans for me, bigger than I could dream of. And I desire to be used by God.

*aj

29 Replies to “I’m A Christian, And Also An Introvert”

  3. Are you, like, my younger twin? I’ve never taken any tests to figure out my exact personality type, but I do know that I’m shy around strangers and crave close friendships. It’s so hard to be outgoing, to talk to new people, to step out of my comfort zone. I even find it difficult to pray out loud in front of people. I do play music at church, but I’m one of the quietest members on the worship team. And I was even too scared to share the Gospel with my cousin when I had a perfect opportunity. I’m still ashamed that I didn’t, and that was years ago. Writing is how I share things, but I should share things in talking to people more. It’s just hard.

    And funny you mention having trouble connecting with people your age. I’ve rarely had friends my age. Most are at least a year older or younger, usually more. I do have one friend now that’s a week and a half younger than me. And Kendra and I are 6 and 5 years older than you, and the three of us get along too well. 🙂

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    2. It’s official. We’re twins. You’re just 4 years older. 🙂
      Wow, you are so much like me! I never would have guessed that you were quiet too, from just talking to you. I totally understand where you’re coming from. I too wish I talked in person about the same things that I write about. I guess it’s just the comfort zone thing. I’m trying to work on that.
      Haha yeah, you two are years older than me and we have too much fun. I’m glad that friendship doesn’t have to be limited to people my own age. #HomeschoolerPerks 🙂

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      1. I wouldn’t have guessed about you either. I guess getting to know each other in writing formats first helped us skip the awkward new person thing when we actually talked. 🙂 Yes, #HomeschoolerPerks. I love it. We need to talk again sometime.

        It’s hard to get out of one’s comfort zone. I’m trying to work on it too.

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      2. So true. I have a few online friends that are shocked when I tell them I’m an introvert. It’s nice to be able to know people online first; I like that. Even though it’s always nice to hang out with people face-to-face. That is why we have awesome things like Google Hangouts, which we should totally do again. 🙂

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      3. Totally. And I was curious about my personality type, so I googled some tests last night. One said I was INTJ and another said I was INFJ. I think I agree with INFJ a little more, even though INTJ wasn’t terribly far off. It was a little off, though. And I had just read an article I saw on Pinterest about how INTJs are the type writers mostly get wrong and that they’re most often cast as villains, and I was identifying with at least half the personality traits it mentioned.

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  4. I’m definitely an introvert, and I definitely resonate with this. So often I feel that I could do so much more if I was naturally outgoing, but I know that God can still use me and I have to listen to him even when it’s awkward.

    -Grace (meyougod.blogspot.com)

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    1. Exactly! Remember that there’s no right or wrong; God uses us right where we are. 🙂 And even if it’s awkward, what He calls us to do will be the best thing that we could ever do.

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  5. A lot of extroverts really appreciate friends who are introverts. I’ve found that most of my closest friends are introverts. That desire for deep friendships in you and our desire to be with people blend to form friendships that feel safe.

    God made us the way he did for a reason. The world wouldn’t be right without you. And when you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone when called upon … watch out! 😉 ❤

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    1. That’s a really interesting thing to think about. I do have a few great extrovert friends. ❤ I think the key is just being willing to cultivate a friendship that goes deeper than talking about surface things.
      And I'm glad that we're all different…it makes life so interesting! And about that comfort zone thing…ha, yeah. I guess discomfort is not supposed to be comfortable? 🙂

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  7. Great post! I’m an introvert, but not quite as much as you. And I do feel so limited. Like I can only pray aloud if there is no more then four. And oh! I hate going out of my comfort zone, but rarely I have when I feel God’s little nudge. Beautifully written post!

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  8. I can TOTALLY relate!!! I am an INFJ too! I feel like I’m so wrong at not being able to participate in group chat! Like, sometimes I would try to talk…but I’m better off listening!
    I love getting one on one with people! And most of my friends are extroverts too! ;D
    And getting out of our comfort zones is a great thing!

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      1. I know right? I wonder how the researchers came up with 16 personalities!! It’s so amazing!

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  11. I stumbled across your blog a few days ago, and read your about page thinking, “Gee… I bet she’s an INFJ.” I bounce between INFJ and ISFJ.
    Thank you for this post, and the rest of your blog!! Looking forward to reading more of your posts. 🙂

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    1. Haha, yep! My personality tends to be interesting like that; to other INFJs and people who understand MBTI, I make total sense, but to the rest of the world, I’m pretty much a mystery. xD
      Thanks for visiting!! I enjoy meeting new people who stumble across my blog, and I look forward to hearing more from you! God bless. 🙂

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