Monday, March 30, 2015

The Introvert Advantage

  My whole life I've been an introvert.  I've had periods where I came out of my shell and engaged more with the world, but deep down I was always naturally inclined to be in my own head, researching, dreaming, doing things in silence.  Most of my life this natural inclination has seemed like a curse.  I've always felt different, like an outsider.  I had to force myself to enjoy socializing.  Engaging with the world took more energy than it "should".  Caffeination was necessary...  unlike many introverts, I didn't beat myself up about it.  I didn't force myself to go out there and 'get in the game' and go against my natural inclinations too much, because on some level I knew the world was messed up.  The mentality was just off.  You know?
  It is only during this phase of my life that I recognize the advantage I have as an introvert.  First of all it is well documented in the Bible that God hates the world (worldly mentality, customs, celebrations, aspirations).  He makes it very clear that this Earth world is ruled by Satan the deceiver, and that in order to LIVE in HIM we have to forsake the "world", forsake the superficial "lives" we worked so hard to attain and follow HIM.  He wants us to live an entirely different life than the "world".  Introverts.. hello!  Ok, so we naturally want to withdraw from the world.  And because we do this we're more likely to acknowledge and get to know God.  There's certainly a place for the extrovert who knows God.  I mean let's be real, if we had to rely on introverts to get the word out Christianity wouldn't exist today!  Hah.. but back to the introvert advantage here.  Introverts are more likely to have a natural detachment from the world and this is a essential.  He is returning for a spotless Bride, who takes the time to get to know him.  I love my family and my cat but I am SO out of here like lightning if the opportunity presents itself.  C'ya!  Attached to NO THING.  This world brings me little pleasure.  I dwell in reality.  The reality is that we are living in darkness on the Earth.  Sure, there are pleasant, sunny days, cute things kids say, funny things animals do, and laughter, but the darkness is real and it is growing rapidly upon the Earth.  Our awareness of THIS FACT is the ticket to our detachment. Loving the world, loving our lives?  That is a deception in direct contrast to the word of Christ.  

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