Enneagram 1s have a basic desire to be good. They have a clear sense of right from wrong and believe in the prevailing of justice and the triumph of good over evil. Therefore, the basic truth 1s know is that God is good. He is good to the core. In Him lies hope for our good and the ability for our good to flourish. Brooke and Julia are two Enneagram 1s that offered insight into their personal experiences as 1s and their relationships with God. Their responses form the basis for the information that follows.
The 1 Experience
Firstly, being a 1 includes living with an inner critic. For Brooke, here’s a voice in her head that doesn’t sound like the voice of God. It picks apart every move she makes and is out to convince her that she can’t measure up. In Brooke, there is also a desire to achieve perfection, a striving for things to be done correctly and without flaw. She feels great responsibility and has a difficult time turning off her brain as it is always thinking of the next task that needs accomplishing or is playing a film review of the events of the day.
In Brooke, there is also a deep desire for justice in the world. There is a natural righteous anger that rises within her when she witnesses acts of injustice against vulnerable human beings. She has a special care for children, and she is quickly motivated to action if ever they are being taken advantage of.
Julia also strongly identities with the experience of living with an inner critic. She has to fight off a voice that opposes the truth of what God says about her and can often feel weighed down by her own mistakes and shortcomings. She finds it difficult to give herself grace and turn off the critiques. Julia also likes to do things in her own strength and can be less willing to admit her needs to others. She enjoys control and is reluctant to surrender.
Julia also has great resilience. For instance, she is first to link arms with someone in a battle and fight alongside them. Julia endures intense pain with grace because she believes in the restorative power and comforting presence of Jesus. She does not give up.
What We Can Receive From 1s
Our inner critics do not have the final say.
“I think the Lord can bring peace to that inner critic through us actively partnering with Truth and the Spirit to renew our minds. There is hope.” -Brooke
It is possible and GOOD to feel good.
“I am most deeply convinced of God’s kindness and the intentionality and carefulness of His love. I have seen over and over again that God’s plan for my life is immeasurably more joyful, more abundant, and more FUN than I could ever think up for myself.” -Julia
The pursuit of perfection is futile in the Kingdom.
“…in His presence I can be exactly who I am, and sometimes that’s a total mess.” -Brooke
Letting go is worth the risk.
“It is in moments….where I have exhausted everything I know to do to help myself and am forced into complete [surrender] to God. He is my hope. He is the comfort in the pain that I cannot muster up for myself. It for sure doesn’t come naturally for me to want to rest in the presence of God in these moments, but it is worth it every time.” -Julia
What 1s Need From Us
The Heart of the Father.
“I love receiving His heart as a Father. I think that when I meet people that have that to give, I am immediately drawn to them and want to learn and receive from them.” -Brooke
Persistent reminders of truth.
“I think what I need most from the people that are near to me is God’s persistence. It is so easy for me to pick out things that are wrong with me and the places I fall short, but God knows about all of it and doesn’t give up on me. He constantly reminds me (oftentimes through the encouragement [of] my friends) that I have value….. When it is hard to see for myself, my friends are persistent and remind me of truth.” -Julia
Scripture that Sustains the 1
Finally, Brooke and Julia provided us with some scripture that comfort them and encourages them through every high and low. If you are a 1 (or even if you aren’t), these are for you today.
Psalm 37:4
Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalm 23
Matthew 11:28
Isaiah 43
Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Exodus 34:6-9
Psalm 126
Romans 8:28
Author | Kalli Drake
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