You've Got Personality

Since its release in 1959, the song Personality by Lloyd Price has captivated generations of listeners with its catchy chorus line, ‘Cause you’ve got personality.  Personality reminds us of our individuality. In many ways, it defines who we are.

Can I be honest? I haven’t always liked my personality.

Recently I read the following quote:

I’m a big personality. I walk into a room, big and tall and loud. – Adele

People like Adele intrigue me. Larger than life, we all notice them. Their bold and outspoken natures instinctively equip them for leadership.

Naturally quiet and reflective, my personality paints a completely different picture. Although friendly and warm, I rarely grab the spotlight. I do assume leadership roles, but I tend to be more collaborative than directive.

At times during my walk with Jesus, I felt challenged to become more outgoing and assertive. I sincerely believed I needed to change my personality in order to influence others for Christ.

But then I looked closely at the twelve disciples. Immediately I noticed Peter. His actions and words populate the New Testament. But another disciple also caught my attention. Although not often mentioned by name, this quieter disciple affected great influence. We know him as Peter’s brother, Andrew.

Three significant gospel events specifically mention Andrew.

The first of these occurs in the gospel of John:

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. (John 1: 40-42 NIV)

Immediately after meeting Jesus, Andrew introduced Peter to Him. Some might say without Andrew, we wouldn’t know Peter. Although the Lord could have adopted any means to meet Peter, He chose Andrew as His messenger. Soon after this meeting, both brothers became His disciples.

The second event takes place during the feeding of the five thousand. When asked to give the people something to eat, Philip responded by restating the obvious: Too many people, not enough resources.

At this point, Andrew stepped in:

Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. (John 6: 8-11 NIV)

Andrew couldn’t have known how Jesus would solve the problem. But he did know the answer lay in bringing the boy (and his provisions) to Jesus.

The final event unfolds shortly before the Passover:

Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. (John 12: 20-22 NIV)

Just as in the other two events, Andrew immediately brought the people to Jesus. Although undoubtedly the quieter brother, Andrew’s actions illustrate equally strong convictions. His life after the resurrection continued to attest to his passion for the gospel.

Bible scholars believe he preached as far as the Soviet-Union, Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey and Greece. According to early church historians, Andrew paid the ultimate price for his faith. In 70 AD he chose to be crucified on a cross shaped like an X. He didn’t consider himself worthy to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus.

We can easily be tempted to overlook Andrew and his contribution to the early church. His much more outgoing brother, Peter, commands more attention. Yet, using their unique strengths, both brothers served Jesus well.

Jesus didn’t call twelve Peters to be His disciples. Nor did He choose twelve Andrews. Each of His disciples had different personalities, but they shared a common purpose. Collectively, they impacted the world for the cause of Christ.

We have an old saying: It takes all kinds to make a world. No two people are exactly alike. Some people will be drawn to Jesus by the Peters of the world. Others will respond better to the Andrews. For this reason:

It will take all personalities to win the world for Christ.

Like me, you’ve got personality. Following the examples of Peter and Andrew, let’s serve the Lord with our own unique style.