Growing as an Enneagram Five: The ThinkerSample

Growing in Passion

Passion means an intense feeling or longing toward something. We automatically know how different it feels if someone says they’re interested in Korean culture versus saying they’re passionate about Korean culture. Passion takes interest and knowledge and turns them into action. 

Fives are masters at interest and knowledge, wanting to know something about everything. You’re collectors of knowledge and sit with your toes in the water without ever actually jumping in. Passion is jumping in. Passion is getting in deep and taking risks. It’s where your emotions and thoughts connect, and it’s where thinking something meets doing something.

We don’t forget our passions like we do our interests. Passion insinuates something that consumes you, something that you think a lot about—so much so that it impacts your actions.

We see an example of passion in John 2:13–17. Jesus’s passion and love for His Father led Him to have a deep and zealous respect for His Father’s house. When others were disrespecting this holy place by selling and trading, Jesus’s passion prompted Him to action.

In your life, you may be interested in politics, but do you ever do anything that others can see? Are you on street corners with a sign, engaging with passersby? Do you talk to your family and friends about the importance of this topic to you? Do you act on the policies you claim are important to you? Are you willing to be the hands and feet of Christ? 

As a Five, one of the most tempting sins in your life will always be inactivity, detachment, and being overprepared without actually doing anything. Doing the dirty work and saying something mean you might get hurt...or worse, exposed as being wrong. Passion will carry you where knowledge can’t. You need passion because the temptation of inactivity is strong. You need passion because the world needs you to teach us with your actions, not just your thoughts.

What’s that idea that keeps nagging at you, the passion that makes your heart race, the skill you’re really good at, the thing you feel so at home with? Your voice, your ideas, and your heart should not be hidden treasures.

God uses what He gives us and wants us to use our gifts too. Often, all it takes is being brave enough to show up, step out in faith, and take the action that terrifies us. We can trust that God will do His part.

We hope this plan encouraged you. Explore other resources at 

https://www.whitakerhouse.com/book-authors/elisabeth-bennett.