Discovering Your Spiritual Temperament

How do you connect with God?

Is your faith inspired by beautiful art? Worship music? Serving others? Confronting evil in society? Some people love cathedrals or worshiping outside. Others prefer the comfort of their home church.

Although most of us have been taught one approach to spiritual growth – daily “quiet time,” Bible study, prayer, and weekly church attendance – we all have different personalities, likes and dislikes, and spiritual giftings, each of which bring a unique perspective to our understanding of the person of Jesus and the salvation He brings to the world.

On Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, author Gary Thomas is with us to unravel these differences and explain why it’s good that we all connect with God in different ways.

Throughout Scripture and church history, believers have worshipped God in diverse ways. Abraham built altars. Moses confronted evil. David expressed enthusiastic worship. Mary (Lazarus’ sister) was contemplative and sat at the feet of Jesus.

According to Jesus in Mark 12:30, four elements are essential to a full expression of faith:

Adoration – Love God with all your heart.
Will – Love God with all your soul.
Belief – Love God with all your mind.
Body – Love God with all your strength.

Gary Thomas also describes nine spiritual temperaments and their unique approach to relating to God and drawing nearer to Him:

Naturalists — love God best outdoors.
Sensates — love God through their senses (sights, sounds, smells, etc.)
Traditionalists — love God through religious ritual and symbols.
Ascetics — love God in solitude and simplicity.
Activists — love God through confrontation; fighting for godly principles and values.
Caregivers — love God by serving others.
Enthusiasts — love God through mystery and celebration.
Contemplatives — love God through adoration.
Intellectuals — love God with their mind.

Hear my full conversation with Gary Thomas on your local radio station, online, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or listen on our free phone app.

Before I close, I’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, I’ll send you a copy of Gary’s book Sacred Pathways: Nine Ways to Connect with God as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits. To make your pledge, or for more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

Gary is an author and speaker, and serves on the pastoral teaching team at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.