INTJ

For those familiar with Myers Briggs personality typing- you will recognize that INTJ stands for someone who's personality falls into the categories of: Introvert, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging. I belive it is the 'rarest' of these personality combinations (about 1% of population).

http://www.personalitypage.com/INTJ.html
http://www.gesher.org/Myers-Briggs/Profiles--TJ.HTM

I would like to think that rare would translate to most people to be valuable. But, of course, I am an INTJ, and know better.

In fact, I find that people are generally not real appreciative of us. Most I know with same personality tend to be kept at the fringes. On occasion, a group of people, who are obviously well-tuned in, and success/vision minded- will not only tolerate, but invite INTJs into the circle. These are people who appreciate the gift of having an INTJ on the team. Usually these are people who welcome discussion and excellence- and have an appreciation for those who question and challenge; knowing that it is about the goal/vision/project/the people- but not about 'pleasing' other people.

Don't get me wrong- INTJ's generally care greatly about people, but may show this care through attending to the business' of life to meet people's needs and desires. INTJ's are not concerned, in the process, with 'brown nosing' along the way. Their personalities have a natural bent toward viewing those around them on a 'level playing field'. This quality can much more be apprectiated by those who are usually overlooked by those in 'greater esteem', but is a quality not generally appreciated by those of seeming greater esteem. (Unless the person of seemingly greater esteem is a confident person, with a 'larger than their own' point of view on life.)

Oh the joy of serving on a team of people dedicated to a cause- with a variety of personalities, gifts, talents-- who are all willing to be about the mission, and leave self-promotion aside. A group who understands, and has, great appreciation for what all bring to the table. Where even an INTJ can asks questions, and challenge- without being dubbed the trouble-maker; but be seen as a refiner of the vision, and a builder of accomplishing dreams.

Of course- INTJs will at times do themselves a disservice. We can come on too strong- and be 'clanging gongs', as the Apostel Paul has written. (1 Corinthians 13:1..) We must also approach the situations in love and respect for those with whom we serve. "It is better even for a fool to be quiet and at least be thought of as wise'...(my paraphrase of Proverbs 17:28) We must choose wisely our words. And remember that even though, most times, we are 'just asking a question'- most people with whom we interact are not atuned to this, and percieve our questions as a personal threat!....and we then lose the ability to be heard.

Our propensity for being 'right', is much just our personality. But we must take responsiblity to guard against being proud. Most true INTJs of good character, an good willed, ask questions because they truly want to understand the situation as best they can- to understand it 'aright', logically...not as much because they 'want to be right'. THere is a great difference. Nonetheless- it can be a slippery-slope, and misunderstood.

INTJs by nature then are awkward, and make many uncomfortable (including themselves). They care deeply about people and things- but to those around them, who don't take the time and effort to see it- will believe them to be cold, ill willed, and uncaring. This is can cause much angst to the psyche and heart of an INTJ.

I do find it a bit amusing, in a way...that God even infused the DNA of an INTJ into such a small segement of the population. Guess He knew the general populace could only handle so many of us, or appreciate us. Too many of us- and away would go many social scenes! (INTJs tend to be quite private by nature.)

God, being social- being Himself 'in Fellowship with Himself', holds Fellowship of high value. This challenges the natural tendencies of INTJs to continue to poke their heads out time after time. Even if the 'big world' doesn't always understand us and appreciate us- the LORD does. He values us- enjoys us- and knows we have a role to play for His Glory. Nothing more motivational than that to keep an INTJ continually risking and reaching out in Fellowship; with God, and with those whom He places in our lives. We are acutely aware, perhaps more than any others, of the importance of the Big Picture in life- and that it is worth risking our 'selves/personality' to be a part of it.

If you are an INTJ- embrace how God made you; handle it dearly and lovingly. If you know an INTJ- perhaps, take another look, take more time to look past/through and see that under all 'that stuff'- there is a person of value there- Perhaps they appear in the form of a whetting stone...rough, cold, ugly, messy-- but serving with great purpose, and value.