The Enneagram & The Gospel

With a loud “inner critic” constantly whispering how things should be and how corrupt they are, the Type 1 has a constant drive to do the right thing and make things better. When a Type 1 is no longer striving for perfection, understanding they are fully known and fully loved by Christ and that the world is often a messy place, they are free to bring goodness, integrity, and improvement to themselves and their world with patience and joy.

Driven by a profound need to be loved, wanted, and appreciated, the Type 2 can struggle with believing that their value is only tied to how much they do for others. The Type 2 has an amazing ability to love and care for others without strings when their care overflows from the knowledge of Christ's love and approval, no longer needing their recognition and approval from others. 

Believing their worth is based on accomplishments and successes, the Type 3 can lose touch with who they really are. Resting in their true identity in Christ, the Type 3 lets go of their need to maintain their value and worth. This frees them to inspire others to become the best versions of themselves. They use their incredible talents to efficiently and productively solve problems that benefit everyone around them. 

On a quest to find their unique identity and create something beautiful and significant out of their emotional world, the Type 4 is deeply in touch with the full spectrum of human feeling. They can get lost in a sea of melancholy, feeling that something vital is missing inside of them. When believing that God loves them unconditionally, perfectly understands them, and created them exactly the way He desired - special and unique, the Type 4 lets go of the need to compare themselves to others and realizes they lack nothing and that everything they feel is missing is truly theirs in Christ. 

Motivated by a core need to understand how the world works, the Type 5 will often focus on preserving their inner resources until they feel fully prepared to step into the world with perceptive, insightful, and capable complexity. Believing that Christ knows and cares for their needs which are important to Him, and that He replenishes their depleted reserves, the Type 5 can generate tremendous insights and understanding. They observe things that most people can't see or do not notice and are able to use their incredible knowledge and insight to help others. 

As a committed, security-focused individual, the Type 6 is a natural troubleshooter, always scanning for what could go wrong. This creates an undertone of anxiety and can lead to distrust of their own - or an authority figure's - thinking and decision-making. When they understand that the certainty of safety and security were never promised here on earth, they can trust fully that Christ will always be here to love, protect, and provide for their emotional needs. This frees them to remain warm, loving, witty, engaging, and playful while being incredibly responsible, hardworking, and trustworthy. 

Naturally optimistic, spontaneous, and high-energy, the Type 7 is motivated by a desire to be happy, satisfied, and avoidant of pain. When forgetting that it is Christ who fills them with great and lasting satisfaction they become distracted by boredom and can fail to see that earthly pleasures cannot quench their insatiable appetite for joy and happiness. Resting in deep satisfaction in Christ, they become grounded and appreciative, and are able to deal with sadness and disappointment. From this place, they radiate a deep, joyous presence that others are drawn to, reminding the world to just breath. 

As an assertive, resourceful, and commanding presence, the Type 8 is driven by a need to protect themselves and those in their inner circle. They are on guard to not be controlled by circumstances or other people. This comes from an unconscious assumption that everyone has an agenda to hurt or control them. When they know that Christ will never betray or forsake them, they recognize that being vulnerable and transparent is a sign of strength. Letting go of their tough exterior allows others to experience their gentle and thoughtful side. This frees the Type 8 to use their intensity and power to plow a path for those who cannot plow a path for themselves.

Accepting, trusting, and patient Type 9's are natural mediators, with an amazing ability to see and validate all sides of an issue. Driven by a deep desire for inner stability and outer harmony, the Type 9 can lose themselves in the process of constantly being focused on keeping others happy. Though they deeply desire to have importance and significance, they cannot truly awaken to themselves and bring their unique and important voice and presence to the world without first believing that in Christ, their voice and presence matter to and are valued by God. Afterall, He created them for His purpose!