Chart #4: An overview of all 9 Enneagram types.
THE CHALLENGER (Enneagram #8)
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.
#8’s see life’s problems as an external one, reducing anger by aggression and bullying, by being in charge and calling the shots.
#8’s are self-confident, strong, and assertive. Protective, resourceful, straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be ego-centric and domineering. They feel they must control their environment, especially people, sometimes becoming confrontational and intimidating. They typically have problems with their tempers and with allowing themselves to be vulnerable. At their Best: self- mastering, they use their strength to improve others’ lives, becoming heroic, magnanimous, and inspiring.
Adjectives that describe #8: Justice-seeking, direct, strong, magnanimous, declarative, assertive, self-reliant, confident, intense, protective of others, and take-charge and action-oriented, but also sometimes heavy-handed, intimidating, excessive, demanding, dominating, and impulsive.
Key Motivations: Want to be self-reliant, to prove their strength and resist weakness, to be important in their world, to dominate the environment, and to stay in control of their situation.
Basic Fear: of being harmed or controlled by others.
Basic Desire: to protect themselves (to be in control of their own life and destiny).
#8 struggles with: lust/vengeance/justice.
#8’s motto: I am strong, just, & dominant.
#8’s response to life: Anger is just energy!
#8 strives: to be powerful.
#8 avoids: weakness.
#8 unconscious childhood message: It’s not okay to be vulnerable or to trust anyone.
#8 lost childhood message: I will not be betrayed.
#8 true essence: A reflection of power and protection.
What will it mean for a #8 The Challenger to be Christ-actualized? A mature #8 engages the life-giving heart of a #2: empathy, compassion, and warmth; allowing your gut to include softer emotions. A mature #8 also engages the life-giving intellect of a #5: holding all things loosely, observing, detaching, and learning more about an issue before reacting.
So, are you an Enneagram #8? Does this personality type sound a lot like the way you feel and act in life? If so, take heart. A Christ-actualized #8 can become, by the direction of the Holy Spirit, a man or woman of God who leads well, using their talents for the glory of God. A godly #8 no longer pushes or demands that everyone and everything get out of the way, but leads as Jesus did; One who accomplished much in life, yet One who did so by using the soft-compassionate heart of a servant-leader.
Isaiah 30: 18 (MsgB) But God’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you. He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you. God takes the time to do everything right—everything. Those who wait around for Him are the lucky ones.
What does God’s Word have to say to a #8?
Ephesians 4: 26 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians+4%3A+26&version=NIV
Romans 12: 19 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+12%3A+19&version=NIV
Isaiah 30: 18 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah+30%3A+18&version=NIV
Psalm 125: 1 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+125%3A+1&version=NIV
For more info on #8 The Challenger: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-8/
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.
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.
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.
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.
What does God’s Word have to say to a #9?
Proverbs 10: 4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+10%3A+4&version=NIV
Ecclesiastes 11: 6 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+11%3A6&version=NIV
Psalm 139: 14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+139%3A+14&version=NIV
Matthew 10: 31 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+10%3A+31&version=NIV
For more info on #9 The Peacemaker: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-9/
THE REFORMER (Enneagram #1)
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.
#1’s perceive the problem with anger as an internal one, and tackle it by perfecting themselves and then going out in the world to co-create with others a perfect place in which there is no cause for anger.
#1’s are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to improve things, but afraid of making a mistake. Well-organized, orderly, and fastidious, they try to maintain high standards, but can slip into being critical and perfectionistic. They typically have problems with resentment and impatience. At their Best: wise, discerning, realistic, and noble. Can be morally heroic.
Adjectives that describe #1: Conscientious, responsible, improvement-oriented, consistent, self-controlled, precise, high standards, clear, detail-oriented, and caring, but also sometimes critical, inflexible, opinionated, judgmental, resentful, and self-judging.
Key Motivations: Want to be right, to strive higher and improve everything, to be consistent with their ideals, to justify themselves, to be beyond criticism so as not to be condemned by anyone.
Basic Fear: Of being corrupt/evil, defective.
Basic Desire: To be good, to have integrity, to be balanced.
#1 struggles with: anger/resentment/perfection.
#1’s motto: I am honest, hardworking, orderly & right.
#1’s response to life: Anger? No! Resentment? Yes!
#1 strives: to be perfect.
#1 avoids: annoyance.
#1 unconscious childhood message: It’s not okay to make mistakes.
#1 lost childhood message: I am good.
#1 true essence: A reflection of goodness and rightness.
What will it mean for a #1 The Reformer to be Christ-actualized? A mature #1 engages the life-giving intellect of a #7: fun, optimism, new ideas, and exploration. A mature #1 also engages the life-giving heart of a #4: authenticity, warmth, beauty in difficulty, and empathy.
So, are you an Enneagram #1? Does this personality type sound a lot like the way you feel and act in life? If so, take heart. A Christ-actualized #1 can become, by the direction of the Holy Spirit, a man or woman of God who truly becomes an agent of positive, healthy change in a world where negative criticism and back-biting are the norm. A godly #1 no longer holds resentment toward self and others, but becomes a pro-active reformer who can enjoy life, pacing themselves and their activities in healthy ways.
James 1: 19-20 (MsgB) Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger.
What does God’s Word have to say to a #1?
Proverbs 15: 8 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+15%3A18&version=NIV
Proverbs 19: 11 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+19%3A11&version=NIV
James 1: 19-20 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A19-20+&version=NIV
John 8:36 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+8%3A+36&version=NIV
For more info: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-1/
THE HELPER (Enneagram #2)
The Heart Triad: Feeling-oriented. feeling-driven, emotionally-centered, decisions from the heart, people-focused. When encountering life, the first reaction is to feel something. Tends to feel before doing or thinking. Shame is always waiting beneath the surface.
#2’s see the solution to shame to be found in their outside world, overcoming it through dependency upon others, hoping warmth and helpfulness can win the day.
#2’s are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing. They are well-meaning and driven to be close to others, but can slip into doing things for others in order to be needed. They typically have problems with possessiveness and with acknowledging their own needs. At their Best: unselfish and altruistic, they have unconditional love for others.
Adjectives that describe #2: Caring, helpful, supportive, relationship-oriented, tuned to others’ feelings, optimistic, generous, likable, nurturing, advice giving, and responsible, but also sometimes prideful, intrusive, dramatic, often unable to say no, indirect regarding own needs, and over-accommodating.
Key Motivations: Want to be loved, to express their feelings for others, to be needed and appreciated, to get others to respond to them, to vindicate their claims about themselves.
Basic Fear: Of being unwanted, unworthy of being loved.
Basic Desire: To feel loved.
#2 struggles with: pride/flattery/poor view of self.
#2’s motto: I am loving, selfless, helpful and needed.
#2’s response to life: What, me cause conflict?
#2 strives: to be connected.
#2 avoids: self and own feelings.
#2 unconscious childhood message: It’s not okay to have your own needs.
#2 lost childhood message: I am wanted.
#2 true essence: A reflection of love and nurture.
What will it mean for a #2 The Helper to be Christ-actualized? A mature #2 engages the life-giving intellect of a #5: observant, detached, and wise. A mature #2 also engages the life-giving instincts of an #8: decisive, confident, and direct.
So, are you an Enneagram #2? Does this personality type sound a lot like the way you feel and act in life? If so, take heart. A Christ-actualized #2 can become, by the direction of the Holy Spirit, a man or woman of God who truly becomes a well-balanced, self-aware servant in a world where self-centeredness and self-promotion prevail. A godly #2 no longer is controlled by a need to be loved, but becomes a pro-active helper to others who also takes the necessary time to care for self in healthy ways.
Jeremiah 31: 3 (MsgB) God told them, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love! And so now I’ll start over with you and build you up again.
What does God’s Word have to say to a #2?
James 4: 6 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A+6&version=NIV
James 4: 10 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A10&version=NIV
Proverbs 3: 5-7 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+Proverbs+3%3A5-7&version=NIV
Jeremiah 31:3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+31%3A3&version=NIV
More info on #2: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-2/
THE ACHIEVER (Enneagram #3)
The Heart Triad: Feeling-oriented. feeling-driven, emotionally-centered, decisions from the heart, people-focused. When encountering life, the first reaction is to feel something. Tends to feel before doing or thinking. Shame is always waiting beneath the surface.
The strategy of #3’s is to forget about the shame while gaining the applause of others through their aggressive attempts at success and achievement.
#3’s are self-assured, attractive, and charming. Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for advancement. They are diplomatic and poised, but can also be overly concerned with their image and what others think of them. They typically have problems with workaholism and competitiveness. At their Best: self-accepting, authentic, everything they seem to be—role models who inspire others.
Adjectives that describe #3: Industrious, goal-focused, results-oriented, success-oriented, efficient, confident, enthusiastic, high-energy, caring through doing, ambitious, go-getter, and optimistic, but also sometimes impatient, inattentive to feelings/relationships, competitive, rushed, self-promoting, driven, and overextended.
Key Motivations: Want to be affirmed, to distinguish themselves from others, to have attention, to be admired, and to impress others.
Basic Fear: Of being worthless.
Basic Desire: To feel valuable and worthwhile.
#3 struggles with: deceit/vanity/competitiveness.
#3’s motto: I am successful, competent & effective.
#3’s response to life: Don’t waste my time with this!
#3 strives: to be outstanding.
#3 avoids: failure.
#3 unconscious childhood message: It’s not okay to have your own feelings and identity.
#3 lost childhood message: I am loved for myself.
#3 true essence: A reflection of hope and radiance.
What will it mean for a #3 The Achiever to be Christ-actualized? A mature #3 engages the life-giving intellect of a #6: loyalty, insight, and questioning. A mature #3 also engages the life-giving instincts of a #9: peace, harmony, and self-forgetfulness.
So, are you an Enneagram #3? Does this personality type sound a lot like the way you feel and act in life? If so, take heart. A Christ-actualized #3 can become, by the direction of the Holy Spirit, a man or woman of God who truly becomes a caring and honest servant in a world where self-promotion and deceit often prevail. A godly #3 no longer is controlled by a need to win, but becomes a pro-active achiever who leads the way in encouraging and helping others succeed as well.
Ephesians 4: 15-16 (MsgB) God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.
What does God’s Word have to say to a #3?
Colossians 3: 9 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=colossians+3%3A+9&version=NIV
Ephesians 4: 15-16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A+15-16&version=NIV
Proverbs 10: 9 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+10%3A+9&version=NIV
Zephaniah 3: 17 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zephaniah+3%3A17&version=NIV
For more info: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-3/
THE INDIVIDUALIST (Enneagram #4)
The Heart Triad: Feeling-oriented. feeling-driven, emotionally-centered, decisions from the heart, people-focused. When encountering life, the first reaction is to feel something. Tends to feel before doing or thinking. Shame is always waiting beneath the surface.
#4’s internalize shame, hoping to accomplish acceptance by pulling away from the world, achieving attention and admiration by being unlike others, following the beat of a different drummer.
#4’s are self-aware, sensitive, and reserved. They are emotionally honest, creative, and personal, but can also be moody and self-conscious. Withholding themselves from others due to feeling vulnerable and defective, they can also feel disdainful and exempt from ordinary ways of living. They typically have problems with melancholy, self-indulgence, and self-pity. At their Best: inspired and highly creative, they are able to renew themselves and transform their experiences.
Adjectives that describe #4: Idealistic, deeply feeling, sensitive, empathetic, caring, intense, special-ness oriented, creative disposition, authentic to self, introspective, and expressive, but also sometimes dramatic, moody, changeable, self-conscious, unsatisfied, and self-absorbed.
Key Motivations: Want to express themselves and their individuality, to create and surround themselves with beauty, to maintain certain moods and feelings, to withdraw to protect their self-image, to take care of emotional needs before attending to anything else, to attract a “rescuer.”
Basic Fear: That they have no identity or personal significance.
Basic Desire: To find themselves and their significance (to create an identity).
#4 struggles with: envy/melancholy/authenticity.
#4’s motto: I am different, original & cultured.
#4’s response to life: Why did you do this to me?
#4 strives: to be unique.
#4 avoids: ordinariness.
#4 unconscious childhood message: It’s not okay to be too functional or too happy.
#4 lost childhood message: I am seen for who I am.
#4 true essence: A reflection of creativity and depth.
What will it mean for a #4 The Individualist to be Christ-actualized? A mature #4 engages the life-giving instincts of a #1: objectivity, stability, and self-discipline. A mature #4 also engages the life-giving intellect of a #7: optimism, joy, play, and spontaneity.
So, are you an Enneagram #4? Does this personality type sound a lot like the way you feel and act in life? If so, take heart. A Christ-actualized #4 can become, by the direction of the Holy Spirit, a man or woman of God who truly becomes a highly creative, pro-actively involved servant in a world where ingenuity and creativity are often lacking. A godly #4 no longer is controlled by envy and self-centeredness, but becomes a focused individualist who brings creativity to life, inspiring others along the way.
Philippians 2: 3-4 (MsgB) Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
What does God’s Word have to say to a #4?
1st Corinthians 13: 4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13%3A+4&version=NIV
Philippians 2: 3-4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A+3-4&version=NIV
Psalm 37: 1-3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37%3A+1-3&version=NIV
Isaiah 43: 1 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+43%3A+1&version=NIV
For more info: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-4/
THE INVESTIGATOR (Enneagram #5)
The Head Triad: Thinking-oriented, thinking-driven, mentally-centered, decisions from the head, provision-focused. When encountering life, the first reaction is to think and plan. Tends to overthink things before feeling or doing. Fear is always waiting beneath the surface.
#5’s see the outside world as the primary source of much of their pain. Thus, they reduce fear by withdrawing, so they can gather more and more facts, keeping their distance from the messiness of life.
#5’s are alert, insightful, and curious. They are able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills. Independent, innovative, and inventive, they can also become preoccupied with their thoughts and imaginary constructs. They become detached, yet high-strung and intense. They typically have problems with eccentricity, nihilism, and isolation. At their Best: visionary pioneers, often ahead of their time, and able to see the world in an entirely new way.
Adjectives that describe #5: Self-sufficient, undemanding, quietly caring, knowledgeable, investigative, inquisitive, objective, systematic, analytic, thoughtful, good in a crisis, and unobtrusive, but also sometimes withholding, non-sharing, detached, unassertive, miserly with feelings, and overly private.
Key Motivations: Want to possess knowledge, to understand the environment, to have everything figured out as a way of defending the self from threats from the environment.
Basic Fear: Being useless, helpless, or incapable.
Basic Desire: To be capable and competent.
#5 struggles with: greed/withdrawal/knowledge.
#5’s motto: I am wise, perceptive and have insight.
#5’s response to life: No problem; just detach!
#5 strives: to be detached.
#5 avoids: emptiness.
#5 unconscious childhood message: It’s not okay to be comfortable in the world.
#5 lost childhood message: My needs are not a problem.
#5 true essence: A reflection of wisdom and truth.
What will it mean for a #5 The Investigator to be Christ-actualized? A mature #5 engages the life-giving instincts of an #8: confident action, fairness, leadership, and direct communication. A mature #5 also engages the life-giving heart of a #2: empathy, compassion and warmth, moving toward and reaching out to others.
So, are you an Enneagram #5? Does this personality type sound a lot like the way you feel and act in life? If so, take heart. A Christ-actualized #5 can become, by the direction of the Holy Spirit, a man or woman of God who truly becomes a pro-actively involved visionary in a world where detailed-thinking is often overlooked and under-appreciated. A godly #5 no longer is controlled by greed and withdrawal, but becomes a well-informed investigator who is actively involved alongside others in problem-solving.
Philippians 2: 4-6 (MsgB) Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of Himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of Himself that He had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what.
What does God’s Word have to say to a #5?
Philippians 2: 4-6 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians+2%3A+4-6&version=NIV
Romans 8: 5 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+8%3A5&version=NIV
Proverbs 11: 24 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+11%3A24&version=NIV
Philippians 4: 19 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=phillipians+4%3A+19&version=NIV
For more info: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-5/
THE LOYALIST (Enneagram #6)
The Head Triad: Thinking-oriented, thinking-driven, mentally-centered, decisions from the head, provision-focused. When encountering life, the first reaction is to think and plan. Tends to overthink things before feeling or doing. Fear is always waiting beneath the surface.
#6’s are rarely in touch with their specific fears, but know that anxiety can be overcome by following the rules of others, coloring between the lines, obeying authority, serving others, and staying out of trouble. Safety and security are paramount.
#6’s are reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy. Excellent “troubleshooters,” they foresee problems and foster cooperation, but can also become defensive, evasive, and anxious—running on stress while complaining about it. They can be cautious and indecisive, but also reactive, defiant and rebellious. They typically have problems with self-doubt and suspicion. At their Best: internally stable and self-reliant, courageously championing themselves and others.
Adjectives that describe #6: Trustworthy, loyal, responsible, inquisitive, dutiful, good friend, caring, collaborative, analytical, and persevering, but also sometimes overly doubtful or skeptical, uncertain, worrying, vigilant, sometimes challenging and/or fearful, either overly cautious or overly risk-taking, and questioning to the point of blame.
Key Motivations: Want to have security, to feel supported by others, to have certitude and reassurance, to test the attitudes of others toward them, to fight against anxiety and insecurity.
Basic Fear: Of being without support and guidance.
Basic Desire: To have security and support.
#6 struggles with: fear/cowardice/security.
#6’s motto: I am faithful, obedient, and loyal.
#6’s response to life: I didn’t mean to cause any problems!
#6 strives: to be secure.
#6 avoids: inappropriate behavior.
#6 unconscious childhood message: It’s not okay to trust yourself.
#6 lost childhood message: I am safe.
#6 true essence: A reflection of faithfulness and courage.
What will it mean for a #6 The Loyalist to be Christ-actualized? A mature #6 engages the life-giving instincts of a #9: peace and harmony. A mature #6 also engages the life-giving heart of a #3: production, efficacy, and confidence.
So, are you an Enneagram #6? Does this personality type sound a lot like the way you feel and act in life? If so, take heart. A Christ-actualized #6 can become, by the direction of the Holy Spirit, a man or woman of God who truly becomes a reliable and highly-involved champion of themselves and others, in a world where attention to details and trustworthiness is often lacking. A godly #6 no longer is controlled by cowardice and insecurity, but becomes a faithful and dependable loyalist who is pro-actively involved in fostering cooperation amongst others.
2nd Timothy 1: 7 (MsgB) God doesn’t want us to be shy with His gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.
What does God’s Word have to say to a #6?
2nd Timothy 1: 7 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A+7&version=NIV
Psalm 34: 4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34%3A+4&version=NIV
Psalm 23: 4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+23%3A+4&version=NIV
Psalm 27: 1 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+27%3A+1&version=NIV
For more info: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-6/
THE ENTHUSIAST (Enneagram #7)
The Head Triad: Thinking-oriented, thinking-driven, mentally-centered, decisions from the head, provision-focused. When encountering life, the first reaction is to think and plan. Tends to overthink things before feeling or doing. Fear is always waiting beneath the surface.
#7’s see their fear as something they’ve created through their own actions and attempt to reduce anxiety and fear by living an aggressive, devil-may-care life that maximizes pleasure.
#7’s are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over- extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness. At their Best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.
Adjectives that describe #7: Optimistic, upbeat, charming, caring, exuberant, spontaneous, versatile, joyful, possibility-and-pleasure-seeking, synthesizer of ideas, opportunity-oriented, quick thinker, and adventurous, but also sometimes pain-avoidant, inconsiderate, unfocused, uncommitted, impetuous, authority-rejecting, and self-serving.
Key Motivations: Want to maintain their freedom and happiness, to avoid missing out on worthwhile experiences, to keep themselves excited and occupied, to avoid and discharge pain.
Basic Fear: Of being trapped and in pain.
Basic Desire: To be satisfied and content—to have their needs fulfilled.
#7 struggles with: gluttony/scheming/idealism.
#7’s motto: I am optimistic, happy, and nice.
#7’s response to life: I’m out of here!
#7 strives: to be excited.
#7 avoids: pain.
#7 unconscious childhood message: It’s not okay to depend on anyone for anything.
#7 lost childhood message: I will be taken care of.
#7 true essence: A reflection of joy and abundance.
What will it mean for a #7 The Enthusiast to be Christ-actualized? A mature #7 engages the life-giving heart of a #4: reflective, authentic, moving toward and entering into difficulty. A mature #7 also engages the life-giving instincts of a #1: principled, disciplined, organized, and present.
So, are you an Enneagram #7? Does this personality type sound a lot like the way you feel and act in life? If so, take heart. A Christ-actualized #7 can become, by the direction of the Holy Spirit, a man or woman of God who truly becomes a focused, yet fun-loving, servant in a world where optimism and joy are often hard things to find. A godly #6 no longer is controlled by gluttony and self-serving schemes, but becomes an enthusiastic optimist who can pro-actively encourage and work, in a focused way, alongside others.
Isaiah 55: 2 (MsgB) Why do you spend your money on junk food, your hard-earned cash on cotton candy? Listen to Me, listen well: Eat only the best, fill yourself with only the finest.
What does God’s Word have to say to a #7?
Luke 12: 15 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+12%3A15&version=NIV
Isaiah 55: 3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+55%3A2&version=NIV
Philippians 4: 19 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A19&version=NIV
Philippians 4: 12-13 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A12-13&version=NIV
For more info: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-7/
Thanks to: The Essential Enneagram: The Definitive Personality Test and Self-Discovery Guide. David Daniels & Virginia Price. 2009 Harper One.
Thanks to: The Enneagram Institute. Visit https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/
If you’ve been reading our Enneagram series, this concludes the 15-session blog. Click here to go back to our Enneagram homepage.
Want a more in-depth experience in the Enneagram?
One of the very best ways to explore the on-going applications is to walk alongside a biblically-based, Christ-centered spiritual director who is familiar with the Enneagram. Many of our directors in our network are trained in the Enneagram and are available to companion you in your journey with Jesus. Click here for more info.
Here are additional resources as you continue your pursuit of self-awareness using the Enneagram.
Chart #5: Jesus and the Enneagram
The Road Back To You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery, Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile
Life In The Trinity Ministry (Suzanne & Joe Stable)
A Free Enneagram Assessment Test (Ian Morgan Cron)
The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective, Richard Rohr
The Essential Enneagram: The Definitive Personality Test. David Daniels & Virginia Price.
Understanding the Enneagram, Don Richard Riso & Russ Hudson
The Wisdom of the Enneagram, Don Richard Riso & Russ Hudson
Enneagram Transformations, Don Richard Riso
Self To Lose Self To Find: A Biblical Approach to the 9 Enneagram Types, Marilyn Vancil
'As I See It' Archives 