The Time Is Now - Developing A Lifestyle Of Prayer

tently focusing on the Person of Almighty God is recommended.

B.

Assertive 3 2 1

0 1

2 3 Submissive

Compliant

Decisive

Demands own way

Gives in to pressure

Assertive. An extremely assertive person is domineering, like Hitler and Stalin. Health­ ier expressions of assertiveness include taking charge, being proactive, and exhibiting deci­ siveness. This person is willing and able to make necessaiy decisions when another's feelings may get ruffled. He or she tends to be forthright with intentions. Submissive. The Bible endorses submissiveness as a virtue, not to be confused with pas­ sivity or reluctance to commit. It involves a conscious, daily practice of subordinating one's self-interest to God's desires. Nonbiblical "submission" may express itself as indifference, inaction, failure to confront evil or sin and reluctance to give a clear "no" or "yes." Those who are more compliant or passive find it harder to claim God's promises and to make commit­ ments requiring a price. Careful understanding of biblical submission, as opposed to passivity, is important in developing an active prayer life.

C.

Subjective 3 2 1

0 1

2 3 Objective

Fact-oriented decision making

Feeling-oriented decision making

Subjective. Generally artists, musicians, and those with a flair for acting and drama, tend to be subjective in their approach to life. This means buying a car or a house is an act of the emotions. The right choice "feels good." Sometimes, in extreme cases, the emotions overrule common sense. This person's prayers will usually cany emotional depth and fervor. He or she is encouraged to grow in balance and tolerance toward those who are more objec­ tive and appear to be indifferent or "cold fish." Objective. This trait, carried to its extreme, trusts only cold, hard facts, giving no cre­ dence to the "heart" or passion. The objective trait is first driven to look at the proven or known data. This trait may find it difficult to look beyond the known facts, to dwell on the possibilities of passion and faith. This person must be cautious about the danger of rejecting those who are more driven by feelings.