A recent conversation with my wife got me thinking: As an introvert, I’m someone who struggles being the center of attention. I struggle with confrontation, assertiveness, and throwing myself out there in a devil-may-care way. The makeup of the modern world is one that not only celebrates, but often demands people have extroverted qualities; it’s easy for introverts to feel like they don’t quite fit in. The pressure to be outgoing, charismatic, and sociable can sometimes leave us questioning our value in God’s kingdom. Can an introvert serve God? Yes! Must you be front and center while you do?
No, you do not always have to be seen and heard. Sometimes the most hard-working members of God’s Kingdom receive no special attention and achieve no special acclaim, but they are “good and faithful” and will receive such a description on the last day. That’s all that matters.
I would also counsel the introvert to remember, despite feeling alone (and, being comfortable in such a state), you are not actually alone. The Lord knows your heart, your preferences, and your temperament. He understands that you find solace in solitude and draw strength from quiet moments of reflection. Even the Master—whom I would not classify as either an introvert or an extrovert—appreciated the value in time alone (Mark 1:35). It’s also important to remember that you are who you are, whether outgoing or otherwise. Those who are more reserved have other natural qualities that lend themselves to the service of God’s Kingdom. Don’t think that, because you don’t feel the compulsion to be seen and heard that you have nothing to contribute to the Lord. That’s the Devil’s lie: In the same way the Devil can use the outgoing qualities of extroverts against them, he can do the same with introverts. The Lord loves both and uses both.
I recall Paul telling the Corinthians that, while he might not have been the most charismatic person/speaker, he still had knowledge, and he freely made that knowledge known to the brethren (2 Corinthians 11:6).
You might not be the first person people think of, and you might not be the first person people notice, but you are there, you are ready, willing, and able. Are you front and center? Not usually, but you’re present and accounted for, and even in such a state—meek and quiet in the background*—the Lord can do great things through you.
If He couldn’t, you wouldn’t be where you are.
~ Matthew
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addendum:
*”Blessed are the meek,” my Master says… Not that being an extrovert means you can’t be meek or that you’re not blessed. I’m just thinking about introverts right now. This isn’t really about extroverts at all, but here I am worrying that someone might get the wrong idea. I don’t think that’s an “introvert” quality… maybe I need to write one of these about being socially awkward and anxious all the time.