I recently took an on-line strengths finder test. (I love self-analysis type tests!) I’ve done Ansel-Casey and others, but this was a new one to me, and I was interested to see the results. There are dozens of “themes”  that I could potentially fall into and three were at the top of my list with really strong percentages.
#3 – Belief – People strong in the Belief theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for their lives.
Yes. Absolutely. That would be belief in God. I’m glad that’s near the top of my list.
#2 – Communication – People strong in the Communication theme generally find it easy to put their thoughts into words. They are good conversationalists and presenters.
Well, of course! Nice to know that’s so close to the top since it’s what I do for work and for fun. So far, so good.
#1 – Significance – People strong in the Significance theme want to be very important in the eyes of others. They are independent and want to be recognized.
Um. Excuse me? I’m not saying it isn’t true–I’m just asking, is it a strength?!? I really, really thought of this as a major weakness. I’m forever struggling with humility. I like being praised. I like being admired. I want people to think highly of me and say nice things about me. Recognition? Count me in. Major weakness, right?
Well, now I’m thinking yes and no. Yes, it’s a weakness when the desire for significance makes me scramble for attention. When that desire drives me to put myself forward in a pushy way, it’s not good. But what if the desire for significance made me strive to be the best writer I can be? What if it made me excel at my job? What if it pushed me to learn more and do more so that I can be significant in, well, God’s eyes? What if God made me to desire significance because He knew that’s what it would take to make me work toward being the best version of me possible? Hmmm.
Maybe my longing for significance is what will keep me writing and querying and attending workshops and striving to improve. Maybe it’s what will encourage me to give my all at church. To give my very best at work. Maybe God built me to need significance like plants need rain.
All I have to do is remember in Who’s eyes I should strive to be significant.