Yes, I Can Be a Bit Obsessive
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
Throughout our marriage, my wife chastised me regarding my obsessive personality. I like to throw myself into everything I do, sometimes at the expense of other responsibilities. Especially when I was young, the challenge was to pick my obsessions wisely. Obsessions can be a blessing because it is the ability to focus and do so for long periods. On the other hand, obsessions can be harmful because they can cause us to focus at the expense of other priorities.
In “This is the only obsession worth having (it isn’t to be liked),” Alex Mathers describes the negative potential of obsession. “We can be obsessed with worrying thoughts. Infatuated with a member of the opposite sex. Enamored with getting validation on Instagram. Addicted to drugs; porn; gaming; partying; tv. Enraptured by the idea of being liked by other people.” The list appears endless. Like most issues, anything taken to its extreme becomes problematic.
The key to living with a tendency toward an obsessive personality is developing the skills necessary to recognize obsessive moments and to retain control of your thinking and decision-making. Mathers reminds us of an Einstein quote, “Try not to become a man of success, but rather to become a man of value.” When we focus obsessively, we must call our minds back to our values and priorities. But, on the other hand, when we are obsessed with our values, we can do great things for the glory of God, family, and community.
Today, do your assessment. Are you a bit obsessive? Are you the opposite, doing just enough to get the task accomplished, but nothing you do is exceptional? Rather than beat yourself up for previous decisions, focus on how you would like to respond today and tomorrow. Do not forget to ask the Holy Spirit to participate in your process. You can only force yourself to address any issue for a short time. Only when you and the Holy Spirit work together, reminding you of your process of care, can you make your obsessive personality a blessing and not a curse for the rest of your life.