The Art of Shutting Up.

Years ago, Dr. Gary Smalley and Dr. John Trent developed a personality test that separated people into one of four categories:  Lions, Otters, Beavers and Golden Retrievers.  If you'd like to take the test yourself, you can do so here. 

I'll tell you my results in just a moment, but if you know me, you've probably already guessed. :-)

Recently, I was participating in a ministry event as a part of a team.  Everything seemed to be going well for the most part, and the leader seemed happy with what was happening.  But I wasn't.  During several preparation times, I let my opinions fester without verbalizing them.  After the event, I gave the leader my opinion....all of it.  I wasn't rude, and the leader received my strong opinions with graciousness and tact, but still I had an aching in my conscience for the remaining week of which I couldn't rid myself. 

People, I am a LION.
There's not even a close second.
It's no secret that I prefer decision-making over brainstorming, that I am comfortable in positions of leadership, that I am competitive and strive to be the best in everything I do.  The problem with lions is that their aggressive motivation often bleeds into the space where otters, beavers and golden retrievers live...and the result is not always pretty.  I'm certainly no exception.

The problem with the above scenario is that I used my lion-prowess in a situation where God had appointed someone ELSE (gasp!) to lead.  It's a rare gift for me to be a participant in such an event...to set aside the stress and intensity that comes with leading, to take a backseat and enjoy using my skill set.  BUT, this is not a natural place for me to be.  And while some find the backseat to be an enjoyable ride, I find myself fighting my nature to be submissive and QUIET. 

It was quite a butt-kicking from the Holy Spirit- conviction that I've been more attentive to in the past couple of weeks.  I posted a picture of a lion cub above for two reasons:  1) adult lions roaring are just icky to look at, and 2) I am cognizant that my two little lion cubs will learn BAD lion habits if I don't keep myself in check! 

There are many traits of "lions" that make them positive assets to those around them.  But lions are likely the most guilty of being overbearing and opinionated.  I have control over which qualities will define me, and am fully aware that God didn't make me a "lion" to embody the latter.  In fact, God has posted little reminders throughout his Word specifically for us lions.  My favorite as of late occurs in 1 Peter 5:5:

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”

Perhaps you, too, are a lion whose roar needs to be tamed.  Beautiful things happen when others are given the chance to lead without unsolicited interruption from the lion's den.  I want to be someone who encourages, who empowers, who remembers that Jesus was both lion and lamb.