Personality

"... that they may be one just as We are one..." (John 17:22).


Personality is unique, limitless part of our life that makes us distinct from everyone else. It is too vast for us to even comprehend. An island in the sea may be just the top of a large mountain, and our personality is like that island. We don't know the great depths of our being, therefore we cannot measure ourselves. We start out thinking we can, but soon realize that there is really only one Being who fully understands us, and that is our Creator.

Personality is the characteristic mark of the inner, spiritual man, just as individuality is the characteristic of the outer, natural man. Our Lord can never be described in terms of individuality and independence, but only in terms of His total Person- "I and My Father are one" (John 10:30). Personality merges, and you only reach your true identity once you are merged with another person. When love or the Spirit of God come upon a person, he is transformed. He will then no longer insist on no maintaining his individuality. Our Lord never referred to a person's individuality or his isolated position, but spoke in terms of the total person- "... that they may be one just as We are one...." Once your rights to yourself are surrendered to God, your true personal nature begins responding to God immediately. Jesus Christ brings freedom to your total person, and even your individuality is transformed. The transformation is brought about by love- personal devotion to Jesus. Love is the overflowing result of one person in true fellowship with another.


[from "My Utmost for His Highest" Oswald Chambers]