Arguers build an airtight case for arguing. “Don’t
you want me to tell you the truth?” “I have a right to tell it like it is.” “I
only call things as I see them.” They tenaciously defend this freedom to speak
with brutal honesty, even though their disparagement and rudeness cuts a swath
of emotional casualties. Inner discontent oozes out through the body language
of a sharp glare or contentious sneer.
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| Arguer Personality Pattern |
Yet Arguers employ discipline by standing
resolutely against any person or policy they feel threatens their freedom. They
will labor tirelessly to argue their case like a defense attorney, convinced
they are one-hundred-percent right, seeing themselves as heroic figures
fighting fearlessly for their principles in the face of persecution.
Because Rule-breakers disdain traditional ideals
and hold conventional ethics in contempt, they feel more than free to exploit
others, employing a concerted discipline by taking pleasure in canniness,
calculation, and the transgression of social codes, championing a fierce pride
in their disciplined skill for getting the best of others.
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| Rule-breaker Personality Pattern |
James, the Lord’s brother, writes to those stuck on
the Assertion compass point: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this:
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
because our anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (James
1:20).
Christianity says to Arguers and Rule-keepers:
- Please let go of your need to be special by nurturing the chip on your shoulder.
- Give up the perception that the world owes you and therefore you can take whatever you want.
- Please own your faults and confess your need for personality transformation.
- Dare to develop love and humility, so that you can utilize your courage and creativity to help people and not hurt them.
Judas let his pattern grow unabated, moving from embezzling
funds from the disciples’ treasury to selling Jesus to the Sanhedrin for thirty
pieces of silver. Christ held Judas fully responsible for his antisocial
Rule-breaker pattern and its behavioral consequences.
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| The Apostle John, Son of Thunder |
On the other hand, Jesus saw redemptive promise in
John. Although he nicknamed John a “Son of Thunder,” presumably because of his
quick temper, John received Christ’s guidance and changed his ways, becoming
the beloved disciple, the only disciple who stood with Jesus at the foot of the
cross.
For more, read:
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| Christian Personality Theory |
