Bro. Eli,
I am an introvert, a loner, a social aloof, but as I see the Biblical principles of a Church, it requires teamwork, which I find it difficult in my part, not that I don’t want to help, but I am rather having an “inferiority complex”. Now, is the concept of “individuality”, “minority”, and “introversion” from mankind against God’s will? Do I have to undergo a change of personality so that I can meet the demands of the Church that requires social interaction with the brotherhood?
Paxton Drummond
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Dear Introvert Paxton,
One of the most important teachings of the Bible is ‘renewal’.
(2 Corinthians 5:17) “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
A Christian is a renewed person. This is achieved by the intervention of the spirit of God.
(Psalms 51:10) “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
The apostle Paul assured us that this is the work of God and not of ourselves.
(Titus 3:5) “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost…”
It is impossible for man to be renewed by himself.
(Jeremiah 10:23) “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.”
Especially, if we are accustomed to sinning.
(Jeremiah 13:23) “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.”
It is only God, and God alone, that can cause the proper rectification in our person.
(Proverbs 16:9) “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”
For you information, I was also a former introvert. I feel uneasy when I am with people. I do not want to talk with them; and am always afraid that I might commit mistakes and be spurned; but the renewal promised by the Holy Scriptures happened in my person. Now, I love to talk to people. I want to be with them. Hear stories from them; know their wishes, and be of help in the best manner I can (of course, with God’s help). This I have achieved because of faith. As the saying goes: “Faith can move mountains”.
(Matthew 17:20) “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
By faith, Noah built an enormous ship for the salvation of his family.
(Hebrews 11:7) “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”
By faith, Sarah was given strength to bear Isaac at the age of almost 100 years.
(Hebrew 11:11) “Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.”
By faith, Moses stood against an empire and liberated his people, Isreal.
(Hebrews 11:24-27) “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.”
By faith, an introvert can be an extrovert!
I have learned to trust, not on my own capacity but, with the power and the capacity of my creator. To whom all honor and glory and praises is due, forever and ever. AMEN!
God Bless.
EFS
esoriano 
sugoi! this answer is really elating!
when i was still in my early months (a newbie) in the church, i somewhat got this same introversion dilemma. I rarely talk because I am not really an outgoing person socializing with total strangers. i’m contented enough listening God’s words in church’s sacred gatherings, even without so much interaction with the congregation.
and even though i know biblical reasons for me not to shy away or isolate myself to a join my fellow believers in the church, and perceiving them as very approachable … i still can’t drag my feet to walk or move my lips to say a simple “hi” or “hello”.
but as it was clearly explained here, we can’t changed ourselves on our own. it’s the faith that moves us. and upon hearing the original introvert story of Eliboy, who was then called by God to lead Christians of our time … Eliboy became the very same Brother Eli we now see and hear preaching courageously whatever or whomever dares to oppose the biblical truths he’s been preaching — 43 years now!
if we need tangible proofs of a an introvert moved by faith and became a sociable Christian, it’s none other than Bro. Eli.
now i quote him for these words,
inspiring!
Personally I was before a very shy person.
But when I found out that there’s nothing to be shy about, since MOST people are friendly. Human generally want to have friends. When WE, humans, look at people, we don’t look at them to find negative things. We initially want to make friends. This is in general. Some people of course won’t fit in this category. BUT generally, humans are friendly.
Especially when you’re with a community of Chrisitians who follow Christ’s commandments and teachings. Your shyness will be gone because you’d notice that Christians want people to be good, to improve, to be saved.
What a shy person can do would be to read the bible and associate him/herself with TRUE Christians as they would really help him become more outgoing and enthusiastic on serving the Lord and fellowmen.
I also have past,”THE” worst experienced a child could ever imagine! I belong to a broken home and the past memory still inside my head. A renewed person with God’s grace in CHRIST, i’ve considered those nightmares who haunts me as a lesson to share to those who are suffering from many heart breaking experiences. We must also know that our brother,teacher,leader have had many sufferings that add to his strenght to stand against adversities!
With GOD’s Help in CHRIST,you can! We all can!
GOD Bless in CHRIST
All the topic that Bro Eli is writing here are all inspiring!!Thank GOD he sent us in our dispensation. Me too, I’m a very shy person! I don”t imagine and i dont think that i can dance in front of all the brethrens. At my age I never thought that i can do that .One thing is sure, GOD is guided me that time. I remember the verse in the bible .Col. 3:23;
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the LORD, and not unto men;
As he said; “By faith you can move mountains”..SSD!
it’s been a while since ive been reading bro.eli’s blog, and it was fascinating how internet had been used for the GLORY of GOD…Keep it up! In GOD’s Help…
I was also much as an introvert…i’m shy especially w/ other people that i don’t get acquainted…But Thanks to GOD…i’ve learned to HIS Church and got my shyness away…
But when i was new in the congregation, i’m also shy to talk w/ other brethren…but i learned to be acquainted w/ our fellow brethren as to see them Clean and Just as the bible says…so then my shyness comes off afterwards…(”,)
I m aware also about my shyness thats why sometimes i cannot develop my self or prove my self that i can do that everybody can. Thanks be to God for the only sensible preachers of all tim!
It is true that “By faith, an introvert can be an extrovert! (Soriano, 2007)” It is just because, based from Jung’s concepts of “introvert” and “extrovert”, no one is 100% introvert nor 100% extrovert. I took a personality test, that I am 72% introvert. I still have a remaining 28% extroverted qualities, which usually appears during times of need. I never talk unless asked, and if I do, I will just utter short, simple sentences, as if I am tongue-tied. Only in writing I am expressive.
There are extroverts who had experienced rejection and discrimination, which they may seem to be shy, but when faced with their close peers, they will expressively verbalize.
Contrary to my case, even with closest companions, my shyness remain intact. I am a member of KKTK and LKD, both requires socialization. In oral communications, I remain speechless and meek, even to the ones I am comfortable talking to. But I noticed that my shyness is not manifested when faced in a larger audience. I wonder why, but when times of need, I lose my shyness and I can boldly speak! After that event, my shyness returns back, staying harmless as before.
My introversion had done me great benefits. FIRST, this makes me uncomfortable mingling with “barkadas” (gang) that are inclined to worldly affairs and vices. SECOND, I rarely had enemies, neither brethren that stumble with my presence (unless you will assume that I stumbled you). Even my adversaries treat me nicely. THIRD, this serves as my “thorn in the flesh” for me not to overly boast of what I had now. FOURTH, I lack the courage to hurt, speak evil, nor to put to shame anyone (unless you tempt me to). LASTLY, I have not developed “self-trust”, so I will rely to whom I trusted my soul with, none other than God the Father.
Faith works wonder for people. Understanding the real sense of faith can give someone a divine purpose that will boost his or her morale.Thus, giving him or her the motivation to fulfill the purpose.
I was also an introvert person.my past life was not so happy as compare now that im in this Church. I dwell on my past mistakes,worries and doubt and forget to realize that there are so many wonderful,rare and unique abouth me that created in our being of our almighty God. Great is the love of God towards us that he use Bro eli to inspire us that he also once an introvert person like most of us and how faith move his life. I see faith as my weapon in times of my weakneses and struggle.
elisha
…which brings us to the conclusion.. that everything we do must be done in faith and belief in the Only One who can change us..
I think most of the brethren in the Church are introvert. I admit I am also an introvert person but thanks to God that I can mingle with the brethren.
Maybe that’s the reason why until now I am still not hired in many companies I have been applying to. Mostly, I passed their examination, but when it comes to an interview I fail.
every one has a weaknesses..telling us that we need god in every situation
thank you brother eli,like them ,’am also a shy person ,am afraid that they may dislike me or hurt their feelings in any manner,just hope with God’s help that gradually i can overcome my shyness,God bless
I’m also have a being shyness,,but b.cos of faith,,i can’t feel it,,for the sake of duty,,,and responsibility,,,with the Help of GOD,,
I am also a shy type person, I recall when I was a child, I was told to go to sari-sari store to buy something, I went back empty handed because I cannot even say something. When I grow up during my high school days, I was elected as President of Student Supreme Council; I was force to speak in front of my schoolmates, however after all the speaking activities I still go back to my old habit of being a loner. There were times I comfortable talking to my friends, but after several days I am hesitant to talk to them. I experience a gradual change to my self when I joined the Church of God. I remember my first time singing in front of the brethren, I felt my sweat rolling under my shirt, but now I experience something different with Gods help I am now at ease talking to people. Thanks God.
great…
There are many area of possibilities in God.
To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
The Romans 16:27
PRAISE HONOR AND GLORY BE UNTO THE LORD. May the PEACE OF THE LORD be unto you Bro Eli, members of the CHURCH OF GOD International, and to everybody in this blog. Shyness is a human instinct for many people. But being endowed with the grace of knowing GOD’s WORDS and TRUTH thru Bro Eli, a true Christian must be encouraged to be more accomodating, ready to help, ready to share many good things, ready to talk, and ready to listen, anytime and all the time. After all, we have nothing to be ashamed of, or to be shy about, especially if we are trying to help Bro Eli spread GOD’s TRUTH, without flatterries and lies used by the ‘opportunist’ leaders of false churches. If the fake church leaders are so bold telling lies to enrich themselves and continuously hold on to their power and influence over society and some corrupt high Philippine government officials, the more that we in the CHURCH OF GOD, and those who have heard of the truth, should cry and shout out loud to as many people as possible, and not be shy nor ashamed. With Bro Eli and Bro Daniel as our leader and model, let us stop being shy and in unity in FAITH and WORK let us move mountains and nations thru the guidance and teachings of the ALMIGHTY GOD passed on to us by Bro Eli.
I used to be a christian but iv’e gave up on jehova. My life is fucking shit.
Shyness in its extreme is ruining my life and containing my happiness, which is my birthright. I have had hypnotherapy, counseling… etc and couldn’t shake it. I have tried gradual exposure to no avail. I have prayed to God and Jesus to help many times without success.
I have came to the conclusion that its not even worth it as human beings are inferior to me, I am superior so why should i even bother with them.
Fuck my life,Fuck the world.
We all die alone so fuck it.
Maybe you talk to the wrong persons…
Why don’t you try counseling to B.Eli
I understand that when you want someone to comfort or understand the way you feel but they just can’t…
I found satisfaction in B.Eli’s teachings,
I also attended catholic mass, born again, get together, I think a jehova talk to me when I was young, I am not sure if it is jehova but she gave a pamphlet, and a lot more,,,
My friends also invited me in their religion, but when I went in an MCGI thanksgiving,
I was glad and I felt satisfaction among all the other religion I visited,
As the saying says, where science fails, faith prevails,,,
for me there are things that can’t be heal by any study, psyche, etc and all the -ologies…
(though i like psychology)
It is not yet the end, and changes i think doesn’t happen in just a snap of a finger…
Even until now, there are times when being an introvert dominants my extrovert part…
I admit its hard, and until now I still need improvements…
You can do it!
May God Bless You!
James,
I’ve found that anger and frustration usually come from trying and wanting to do things my way. Even when the end result is good, such as overcoming the loner mentality, if I do it the wrong way, I will meet with frustration. And frustration and pride and stubbornness lead to anger.
The answer, as hard as it is sometimes, is to submit to God, and surrender to His way. His way does not respect persons. Of themselves, no one is inferior or superior before God. And those that believe that they are superior, or inferior, are not loving their neighbour as God desires.
The best I can recommend is to put God first in everything: everything you do, everything you think, and everything you say. If we put our problems or our desires in front of us, we’ll be led astray. I have experienced that first hand. Only by putting God first, and seeking Him diligently, will we even begin to understand the root of our problems and challenges, and the right way to fix them.
I was studying Psalm 107 just last night, and it talks about two different ways: the solitary, desolate way, and the right way:
“They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.”
But when we cry out to the Lord, we also need to remember to so with humility and right motives:
“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” – James 4:1-3
Even if what we lust for is good, if we desire it for our own selfish reasons, why should God honour such a request?
This is a hard lesson to learn sometimes. But God is sovereign. We are the created, He is the Creator. We have no right to be angry with the results of our lives if we refuse to submit to the right way that He has showed us.
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” – Galatians 6:7
I pray that you return to God, and repent, like we all need to. He is still God, and He is still kind and merciful. If you are still alive, He is giving you a chance right now to humble yourself and return to Him. We are all in the same boat: we must all repent and humble ourselves. No one is above that.
Sincerely,
– Chris
Amen! I am blessed by your comments and I do agree with you, God wants us to understand that it is much better to humble ourselves before Him. He is our Creator anyway. To God be the glory forever!
Dear Brother Eli,
Thanks be to God for sending someone like you. We are truly missing you here in the Philippines. We pray to God that He may always keep you and your companions safe.
See you very soon God-willing…
All glory and praises be unto God Almighty. Thanks be to God forever!
I am also like this before, as in super shy..
During times when I am eating, I am so shy to be seen by someone…
It annoys me to feel that someone looks at me…
I can’t look face to face too long,
When I was in elementary I don’t recite..
I do not like school groups …
I also am afraid of rejection,
I am not so close with me cousins, I love playing alone in my room…
Even when I was a new member of the church, it is still awkward for me to approach someone…
Then a brethren told me, are you still shy?
Isn’t you have friend/s outside the church whom you talk to with your problems?
We are not just your friends, WE ARE YOUR BRETHREN
I also felt that, not just because that brethren told me…
But I felt the welcoming feeling given by the brethren…
They will help you even if you won’t tell them, they’ll notice if you have a problem…
Most of all, THEY CARE!
the kind of CARING which is seen by our preachers…B.Eli and B. Daniel is passed to the members…
Our preachers serves us good example.
Believe me, the brethren will not put you in shame.
If someday they will say something, it is not because they want you to be in disgrace…
It is because they want you to be develop 🙂
Living inside the church, together with the REAL children of GOD is fun!
Thanks be unto God…
Now we are all together…whether ye be the extreme introvert or the extreme extrovert..
we will still meet in the middle…we just need some little adjustments 😀
When Bro. Eli said that he was an introvert himself, he wasn’t kidding. A fellow brethren in the church told me that when Bro. Eli was a little boy, he would hide under the bed everytime a visitor comes in. I will never forget that, it’s just so funny and inspiring because if you see him today, you’d NEVER imagine him to be a shy person. =D
Thanx be to God.
…
Introversion is not a bad thing, and it’s not the same thing as shyness.
This INTP/INTJ individual IS NOT changing his general personality.
Turns out that I’m just INTJ.
Famous (Possible) INTJ’s:
Thomas Jefferson
Friedrich Nietzsche
Jean-Paul Sartre
Ayn Rand
Jane Austen
Augustus Caesar
Lance Armstrong
Sherlock Holmes
GLaDOS
With my casually analytical, naturally logical, frugal, blunt, resolute, focused, hard-working style, I can say what needs to be said. Extraversion would merely turn me into an ENTJ. An ENTJ isn’t less… threatening, or more emotional.
I’m not giving up on this power. This internal power. Raw, psychological power that’s based on the pure drives and psychological processes of humanity. I’m already heading in the route of the psychologist philosopher anthropologist. With this, I can edify the world.
The world’s salvation lies in edification.
Nobody,
No one is forcing you to give up your power (whatever it is).
Now that you admit that “the world’s salvation lies in edification” means that you agree with one of the teachings of the bible, and that is renewal which happens to be the topic of this blog.
People as you have mentioned although introvert in nature are successful in their chosen profession and I have no problem on that. But the author is explaining to us that introvert and shyness of one person can be changed by God so that to be more useful to Church and to show how Christian should be in the middle of non-believers. You can be shy or introvert as you want, but not as Christian. How can you be proud of as follower of Christ if you are there in your bedroom hiding yourself to people? And as Bro. Eli said, only God can help us to change within.
At times, I also suffer inferiority complex, but in such instances that I am obliged to efficiently perform my duties in the church, there begins the leap of faith. As what Brother Eli Soriano teaches us, I gain this guts by having faith in God and yet learning to be humble as well. Because, as it is written Phil 2:13 and John 15: 1-5, it is God who worketh in us. We are nothing without Him. So, after all the work has been done, the Glory be unto Him.