"I'm An Extrovert!" (Proverbs 17:14)

“Why does this doctor do this?” One of my staff was frustrated with the unorthodox manner by which this dermatologist’s office designated the sites of the biopsy specimens.

“Yes, I agree.” It was confusing and earlier in the week, it had led to an error with one of our reports. This error was on my staff’s mind and he wanted to avoid another similar problem. This staff member was also suffering from an injured back and the pain was fueling his agitation.

“Look, we can very simply resolve this by comparing the slides with the requisition sheet and…”

“But it is very confusing!” Another staff member interrupted me, her volume rising with an  annoying tone.

“This office does this all the time!’ A third staff member fomented.

Amidst the cacophony, I exclaimed, “I’m an extrovert. I feed off the energy of others! Right now, everyone is agitated and it is making me agitated!” I stared down each staff member. “Your back is sore. You are frustrated with this office. And you are raising your voice! We need to cool down!”

And with that, the heated discussion stopped and we all flashed a smile to one another. We recognized what was happening and was able to stop before it progressed.

But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”

Acts 19:34 (NKJV)

The incident in my office reminded me of the riot that occurred in Athens with the merchants who were selling idols of the goddess Diana. They were outraged that the Apostle Paul was preaching Jesus Christ and some of the people were turning away from worshipping Diana, threatening their livelihood. I can imagine the frenzy as the emotions fed one another, leading to more chaos and confusion, some participants unsure why they were even there.

Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together.

Acts 19:32 (NKJV)

Had I been there, I am sure I would have been caught up in the frenzy of the moment. I am an extrovert and I must always guard against giving in to my emotions, particularly during heated discussions. I have struggled with this my entire life. God’s Holy Spirit has been changing my heart and through His Word, instructs me with His wisdom.

The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.

Proverbs 17:14 (ESV)

Quit before the quarrel breaks out. Good advice for an extrovert like myself. Good advice for everyone!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.