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Personalities
July 11, 2019
I’m a big personality. I walk into a room, big and tall and loud. – Adele
Sometimes I long for a different personality. People like Adele intrigue me. Larger than life, we all notice them. Their bold and outspoken natures instinctively equip them for leadership.
Naturally quiet and reflective, my personality paints a completely different picture. Although I am friendly and enjoy meeting people, I rarely grab the spotlight. I do assume leadership roles, but I tend to be more collaborative than directive.
At times during my walk with Jesus, I felt challenged to become more outgoing and assertive. I sincerely believed I needed to change my personality in order to influence others for Christ.
But then I looked closely at the twelve disciples. Immediately I noticed Peter. His actions and words populate the New Testament. But another disciple also caught my eye. Although not often mentioned by name, this quieter disciple affected great influence. We know him as Peter’s brother, Andrew.
One of the first references of Andrew occurs in the gospel of John:
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. (John 1: 40-42 NIV)
Immediately after meeting Jesus, Andrew introduced Peter to Him. Some might say without Andrew, we wouldn’t know Peter. Although the Lord could have adopted any means to meet Peter, He chose Andrew as His messenger.
Two other gospel events specifically mention Andrew:
When the crowds following Jesus grew hungry, Andrew brought a young boy with five barley loaves and two fish to Jesus. From this boy’s provisions, Jesus miraculously fed five thousand people. (John 6: 8-11)
Shortly before the Passover, some Greeks came to worship at the festival. They asked Philip if they could see Jesus. He consulted Andrew who then brought Philip and the request to the Lord. (John 12: 20-22)
All three gospel references show Andrew bringing people to Jesus. His life after the resurrection continues to attest to his passion for the gospel.
Bible scholars believe he preached as far as the Soviet-Union, Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey and Greece. According to early church historians, Andrew paid the ultimate price for his faith. In 70 AD he chose to be crucified on a cross shaped like an X. He didn’t consider himself worthy to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus.
We can easily be tempted to overlook Andrew and his contribution to the early church. His much more outgoing brother, Peter, commands more attention. Yet, using their unique strengths, both brothers served Jesus well. Their stories remind me:
Jesus calls both the Peters and the Andrews of this world to advance His kingdom.
Dear friend, I am definitely an Andrew. As I travel down the road, I pray to use the strengths He gave me for His glory. Whether you are an Andrew or a Peter, I pray the same for you.
Personalities
July 11, 2019
I’m a big personality. I walk into a room, big and tall and loud. – Adele
Sometimes I long for a different personality. People like Adele intrigue me. Larger than life, we all notice them. Their bold and outspoken natures instinctively equip them for leadership.
Naturally quiet and reflective, my personality paints a completely different picture. Although I am friendly and enjoy meeting people, I rarely grab the spotlight. I do assume leadership roles, but I tend to be more collaborative than directive.
At times during my walk with Jesus, I felt challenged to become more outgoing and assertive. I sincerely believed I needed to change my personality in order to influence others for Christ.
But then I looked closely at the twelve disciples. Immediately I noticed Peter. His actions and words populate the New Testament. But another disciple also caught my eye. Although not often mentioned by name, this quieter disciple affected great influence. We know him as Peter’s brother, Andrew.
One of the first references of Andrew occurs in the gospel of John:
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. (John 1: 40-42 NIV)
Immediately after meeting Jesus, Andrew introduced Peter to Him. Some might say without Andrew, we wouldn’t know Peter. Although the Lord could have adopted any means to meet Peter, He chose Andrew as His messenger.
Two other gospel events specifically mention Andrew:
When the crowds following Jesus grew hungry, Andrew brought a young boy with five barley loaves and two fish to Jesus. From this boy’s provisions, Jesus miraculously fed five thousand people. (John 6: 8-11)
Shortly before the Passover, some Greeks came to worship at the festival. They asked Philip if they could see Jesus. He consulted Andrew who then brought Philip and the request to the Lord. (John 12: 20-22)
All three gospel references show Andrew bringing people to Jesus. His life after the resurrection continues to attest to his passion for the gospel.
Bible scholars believe he preached as far as the Soviet-Union, Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey and Greece. According to early church historians, Andrew paid the ultimate price for his faith. In 70 AD he chose to be crucified on a cross shaped like an X. He didn’t consider himself worthy to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus.
We can easily be tempted to overlook Andrew and his contribution to the early church. His much more outgoing brother, Peter, commands more attention. Yet, using their unique strengths, both brothers served Jesus well. Their stories remind me:
Jesus calls both the Peters and the Andrews of this world to advance His kingdom.
Dear friend, I am definitely an Andrew. As I travel down the road, I pray to use the strengths He gave me for His glory. Whether you are an Andrew or a Peter, I pray the same for you.
Shirley,
I really appreciate your insight clearly showing that Jesus chose “different personalities” to bring people to Jesus and that they are all valuable in Gods Kingdom.
I am an “Andrew ” although I worked hard to become a Peter in my 20’s and 30’s.
In my 40’s and 50’s, I have embraced being an” Andrew”.
As always, thank you for your inspiring thoughts.
I love you, Sister
Hi AnnMarie,
We have always been kindred spirits. I think we all believed at one time we needed to be like Peter. I’m so glad you have learned to embrace being who you are! I love and miss you!
Shirley,
I really appreciate your insight clearly showing that Jesus chose “different personalities” to bring people to Jesus and that they are all valuable in Gods Kingdom.
I am an “Andrew ” although I worked hard to become a Peter in my 20’s and 30’s.
In my 40’s and 50’s, I have embraced being an” Andrew”.
As always, thank you for your inspiring thoughts.
I love you, Sister
I love this blog Shirley! What great insight.
I am married to a “Peter”, bold and brash at times but full of passion! Much of the time I can feel overshadowed by the “Peters” in my life and especially in the early years of my walk with Jesus. This blog gives me a very satisfied feeling of being just fine the way I am, a definite Andrew. And I am so humbled and grateful for the chance given me by God Almighty to be able to be an Andrew! Soli Deo Gloria! Glory to God alone!! Thank you for obeying the call to continue sharing the Lessons Learned on The Road Less Travelled! Love you!
Thank you Jody! From one Andrew to another, yes, we can feel overshadowed by the Peters in our lives. Yet God created us each with a distinct personality, and He will use it for His glory! Thank you for your devoted friendship!
Oh, yes. Andrew…and Peter; puts me in mind of Mary and Martha :-). Both stories are awesome testimonies to God’s design and purpose…and His way of using each of His children.
I love how you inspired me to consider my God-given character as the gift He intended.
And, I love your new website look!!
Thank you Charla! I love how you draw a parallel to Mary and Martha! Yes, God created us differently, and has a purpose for doing so! Thank you-I’m glad you like the new website look!