Section Two: The Personal Characteristics of a Godly Life.
Our current theme: Characteristic Four: Being Christ-Actualized.
Our reading for today: Ecclesiastes 11:6 (MsgB)
Go to work in the morning and stick to it until evening without watching the clock.
You never know from moment to moment how your work will turn out in the end.
Last time, we looked at the Enneagram #8 The Challenger. At first glance, The Challenger (#8) and the Enneagram #9 The Peacemaker seem to be at odds with each other, but in truth, both personalities are rooted from the same tree of the Gut Triad. The Challenger (#8) is very pro-active with their anger/resentment, but (#9) The Peacemaker (also sometimes called The Mediator) is just as frustrated with life, but simply chooses to act it out in a very different way.
Fortunately, Jesus of Nazareth has come to redeem both #8’s and #9’s from this fleshly curse of anger, but in all honesty, very few will take the time needed to truly understand all the freedoms Christ has for those who will take the time to embrace them. We call this amazing transformation; being Christ-actualized!
Today, let’s look a bit deeper at The Peacemaker (Enneagram #9). I suggest you read the following information and see if you find yourself in the descriptions found below:
THE PEACEMAKER (Enneagram #9)
The Gut Triad: Doing-oriented, knowing-driven, body-centered, decisions from the gut, power-focused. When encountering life, the first reaction is to do something. Tends to act before thinking or feeling. Anger is always waiting beneath the surface.
The strategy of #9’s is to neutralize and repress anger, withdrawing and being conciliatory by creating a comfortable, disturbance-free world in which there is no cause for anger.
#9’s are accepting, trusting, and stable. They are usually creative, optimistic, and supportive, but can also be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace. They want everything to go smoothly and be without conflict, but they can also tend to be complacent, simplifying problems and minimizing anything upsetting. They typically have problems with inertia and stubbornness. At their Best: indomitable and all-embracing, they are able to bring people together and heal conflicts.
Adjectives that describe #9: Adaptable, harmony-seeking, pleasing, affable, steadfast, comfortable, accepting, humble, often easy-going, caring inclusive, and steady, but also sometimes conflict-avoidant, resistant, self-forgetting, stubborn, and indecisive.
Key Motivations: Want to create harmony in their environment, to avoid conflicts and tension, to preserve things as they are, to resist whatever would upset or disturb them.
Basic Fear: of loss and separation.
Basic Desire: to have inner stability and “peace of mind”.
#9 struggles with: sloth/idleness/self-deprecation.
#9’s motto: I am calm, content, in harmony, & balanced.
#9’s response to life: I don’t get angry!
#9 strives: to be peaceful.
#9 avoids: conflict.
#9 unconscious childhood message: It’s not okay to assert yourself.
#9 lost childhood message: My presence matters.
#9 true essence: A reflection of peace and oneness.
What will it mean for a #9 The Peacemaker to be Christ-actualized? A mature #9 engages the life-giving heart of a #3: production, efficacy, and confidence. A mature #9 also engages the life-giving intellect of a #6: loyalty, insight, and questioning.
What does God’s Word have to say to a #9?
So, are you an Enneagram #9? Does this personality type sound a lot like the way you feel and act in life? If so, take heart. A Christ-actualized #9 can become, by the direction of the Holy Spirit, a man or woman of God who truly works for Christ-centered peace in a troubled world that has very little of it. A godly #9 no longer hesitates or procrastinates, but becomes a pro-active peacemaker who cares for both him or herself, and the lives of others.
My prayer: Create in me a refuge for remembering myself, a safe place where I can go deep and explore the full range of who I am. Dissolve my fears of my anger, Holy One, so that I may allow it to guide me in knowing what matters to me and what the matter is. Empty me now of my resistance to my inner journey, my resistance to waking up to my life. Remind me of my own lovability, so that in loving myself, I may genuinely love others, and in this loving show up in the peaceful times and in times of conflict. I no longer want to deprive myself of my life, Holy Lover of my heart. Be my foundation as I honor my life and my relationships by offering my aliveness and my full being. For Your name’s sake. Amen. (thanks to Sandra Smith/AlchemyWorksEvents.com)
My questions to ponder: If I see #9 qualities in my life, which are the most obvious? Where am I subject to the weaknesses found in a #9 and how might I allow the Holy Spirit to work deep within me, transforming these #9 wounds into glorious opportunities of hope?
So what is God speaking to you today as we attempt to live the Christ-centered life?
For more info on #9 The Peacemaker: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-9/
Over a thirty-six week period, you and I will take a deeper look into twelve key characteristics of a godly life. In other words, we’ll take A Journey into Christian Discipleship. In order to keep all the blog sessions organized, we suggest you bookmark our Journey home page for ease of use. ENJOY!
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'As I See It' Archives 
Take this as you will…
I am a 9 and in reading more about the unique facets of how God has created me I found a greater sence of purpose. That all of God’s giftings are needed in the Body.
But in reading your blog, I feel like there was more of a (this is what’s wrong with you) vibe vs (this is what you were created for) vibe.
Just a suggestion that it would be of greater benefit to the kingdom of God to build up each of the facets/giftings that God has given us.
Thanks
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Hey Brandon. Good to hear from you. Sorry to hear the readings seem to push you toward “what’s wrong with you” side. The Enneagram is different in that sense from other tools like Meyers-Briggs, Strength Finders, etc which tend to focus on the positive side of our personality. Richard Rohr addresses this “negative side” of the Enneagram this way…”The Enneagram shows us why things haven’t been going too well for us!” So, with all that being said, here’s my hope for those who step further into the Enneagram. Finding that upward lift, that greater sense of purpose (you mentioned) is key to making it a valuable tool. One book I’d really recommend is Enneagram Transformation by Don Riso. Here’s a list of affirmations for #9’s out of this book!
I now affirm…
• that I am confident, strong, and independent.
• that I develop my mind and think things through.
• that I am awake and alert to the world around me.
• that I am proud of myself and my abilities.
• that I am steadfast and dependable in difficult times.
• that I look deeply into myself without fear.
• that I am excited about my future.
• that I am a powerful, healing force in my world.
• that I actively embrace all that life brings.
Hope that helps a bit! Keep going and focus on those positives we mentioned:
#9 lost childhood message: My presence matters.
#9 true essence: A reflection of peace and oneness.
#9 mantra: Peace effects team.
A Christ-actualized #9 can become, by the direction of the Holy Spirit, a man or woman of God who truly works for Christ-centered peace in a troubled world that has very little of it. A godly #9 no longer hesitates or procrastinates, but becomes a pro-active peacemaker who cares for both him or herself, and the lives of others.
BLESSINGS!
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