What’s In A (Enneagram) Number?
Do you know the one thing that universally captures our attention? No, it’s not entertainment or food; sports or politics. The one thing we are all typically interested in is ourselves. We are always intrigued to learn more about who we are and why we do what we do.
I’ve always been a little embarrassed about my self-interest until recently when I began to consider it in a new light. On this week’s episode of The Problem With Perfect Podcast, my co-host Rachel and I interview Dr. Kelly Wright, who among other things, is a Certified Enneagram Facilitator. Kelly has been studying and helping others study the enneagram for the past 10 years.
Kelly explains that the nine personality types are meant to reflect nine characteristics of God. Specifically:
Type 1 is a reflection of God’s goodness
Type 2 is a reflection of God’s love
Type 3 is a reflection of God’s effectiveness and efficiency
Type 4 is a reflection of His creativity
Type 5 is a reflection of His wisdom
Type 6 is a reflection of His loyalty and faithfulness
Type 7 is a reflection of God’s joy
Type 8 a reflection of His power
Type 9 is a reflection of God’s peace.
Knowing that we are all created in God’s likeness, it is particularly interesting how He’s wired our personalities to reflect His glory through us in these specific ways. According to the online enneagram test I took (The most accurate way to determine your type is to study the enneagram and yourself.) I am type 3 - the performer. My husband, Tom, is a 9 - the peacemaker. So, not only is the enneagram a helpful tool in self-discovery, but it has also been useful as Tom and I try to understand how our numbers influence our relationship.
It has also reminded me that God allows us to uniquely, albeit imperfectly, bear His image. It helps me to celebrate and embrace how He knit me together, as well as appreciate how He did the same for my spouse. It also helps me to give us both grace.
Want to learn more about the Enneagram and how it can help explain how you interact in relationships? Click below to the link of the podcast, or find it on your favorite podcast app.
https://apple.co/2rbxnHf