7-In-1 Benefits of Assessments
Personality assessments have become standard fair in the Human Resources and Coaching world, the number of such assessments exploding more every year. Still, some in the Jewish and Christian traditions feel that those tools are too self-focused and therefore, somehow undermining the desired theocentric focus of their lives.
Chris Heinz, coach and President of Human Resources for EnergyCAP, Inc. wrote in his January 4, 2019, blog about 7 reasons why Personality Assessments can be a means to the end of glorifying God, the number 1 purpose of all Jews and Christians.
He quotes the great church reformer John Calvin who wrote:
“Without knowledge of self, there is no knowledge of God.”
He argues that while any instrument may be used for purely selfish reasons that these assessments increase self-awareness and increased self-awareness can lead us to God. He lists 7 ways in which such assessments can enhance one’s efforts toward the number 1 goal.
1. Knowing ourselves displays the handiwork of the Creator.
If we are made by Him as the Bible declares, then the more thorough our self-knowledge the greater our appreciation of the our Maker.
2. Knowing ourselves affirms the image of God in us.
It may be the positive values we hold, the concern for others or other good qualities. It may be His power, creativity, love, wisdom that becomes evident to us.
3. Knowing ourselves reveals our deficiencies (dare I say sin?) therefor, our need for a Savior.
Who of us can claim perfect perfection. All of us must take responsibility for deeds and motives that are less than upright.
4. Knowing ourselves helps us understand the work for which we were created.
God prepared good works for us in advance. When we know ourselves, we get ideas about what our work may be, in other words, our calling.
5. Knowing ourselves leads us to depend on the Holy Spirit.
We see our shortcomings and ask for Divine help. We can perceive transformation in ways we could never attain on our own.
6. Knowing ourselves improves our love for others.
We learn how to love others better as we learn about ourselves. Gaining this self-awareness makes us aware that not everyone is like us and we have to learn to reach out to others in ways
meaningful to them.
7. Knowing ourselves helps us to obey God.
When we discover the gifts we’ve been given, we can use those gifts to follow God. How much better to avoid the futility of trying to live out a life that is not ours instead of being empowered to live in the joy of the giftings that are ours
I appreciate Chris’s seven points and hope it will help everyone to see the added value of assessments that make us more self-aware…and more awe-filled in our thoughts of the Divine.