In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he said, “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Do you ever find yourself facing difficult people in your family, friends, neighborhood, and job? I would add church to that list, but we all know no one in church work could be difficult, right? ha!
No matter where you go in life, you will find people who can push your “wrong” buttons and start you off toward the negative. But, God tells us that His grace is available when we need it and that love never fails (Hebrews 4:16 and 1 Corinthians 13:8). We are called to share the love of Christ. What does that look like? Over the next few weeks, I would like to chat about different personality types and some possible coping strategies that might help us. As well, I would like to invite you to share positive things that have worked for you.
Difficult Personality # 1: The Tank. This person runs over the top of everyone in site. Whether or not he/she means to do so, you feel run down and drained by this personality type. It’s a control issue.
Possible Coping Strategy: In my experience, drawing power swords with this personality is really futile. I am trying to listen and pause before responding. Some days I do that better than others; duct tape would be a good thing on those days. Speaking the truth in love is important (Ephesians 4:15). Choose to take a stand with the issues and things that are really important; learn to allow those things that are not important to slip through your emotional fingers. Pray for wisdom to know the difference.