Different Folks

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV). The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth an important principle about the differences in people. Our reading this morning is the beginning of that principle. The short version is that people are different, but all of these differences are essential. You’ve seen this in your work, at church, or in your home. How we understand what is going on with differences in personality, and how these differences affect our relationships is very important. What we learn about getting along with each other in marriage can be instructional in workplace relationships, and vice versa. John Gray has written a wonderful book that describes these differences as if men and women were from different planets, “Venus and Mars.” I recommend the book heartily, however, it may be more helpful for you to see some differences in styles as Patrick Fraleigh and Susan Gilmore have outlined. They are psychologists who have described four basic, common work styles:  The Human Radar - A person like this always keeps their antenna up for other people. The strengths of a person like this are sensitivity, tactfulness, sociableness and flexibility. Their weakness is the problem of saying yes to too many people, becoming a doormat.  Turtle with a Computer - This is an analyzing person who needs lots of data before moving ahead. This person is full of questions about any idea, and will never be accused of being "half baked;" they can be frustrating to idea-generating people.  Semi-Truck - Picture a semi-truck barreling down an interstate in the left lane and you'll get an idea of this work style: barging ahead and expecting others to do likewise or get out of the way. The positive thing about this type is they give you lots of room to come barging in with your own ideas.  Bicycle Built for Two - This is the kind of person who gets much more done if someone else is around. She needs someone to check with, talk with, and bounce ideas off of. God has created all people delightfully unique. The good news about all this is that understanding these key differences between you and your spouse or a co-worker can help you avoid situations where you are driven up the wall. Just as each part of our body is unique and essential, so are all the differences in those around us. Don’t be frustrated by them. Celebrate them. Rely on them!