I used to think that God only used certain types of people. They were good looking and had straight teeth and were confident. They were always entertaining when they spoke and they inspired their followers with confidence.
I like actually meeting people God is using. Turns out that a lot of them are shy. Some of them are awkward one-on-one. They are extroverts and introverts and some of them can't organize themselves out of a paper bag. It takes all types. Not one of them is "normal".
Jim Collins says that charisma is a liability for a leader. Guess we should have figured that out by the fact that God chose a stutterer to be his spokesperson, the runt of the litter to be his greatest king, and a half-crazy fisherman to lead his church.
Kind of nice to know that God can use me.
Which one are you...the runt, the stutterer or half crazy?
Seriously now, whenever I realize that God has been able to use my meager talents, I am amazed beyond words. If He can use the likes of me, there is hope for everyone!
Thanks for the great post. By nature I am a pretty shy and introverted person. Although I have been up front casting the vision and leading the way, I feel much more comfortable in positions to serve out of the limelight. I appreciate your references to Moses, David, and Peter and the lessons they show us about serving the Lord wherever he calls us.
Don't discount, though, the use dynamic leaders either. Leadership is not dependent on personality traits, one way or another.