The Enneagram, according to the Enneagram Institute, is a tool that “helps us to see ourselves at a deeper, more objective level and can be of invaluable assistance on our path to self-knowledge.” This series reflects an opinion that connects faith with each of the nine personality profiles of the Enneagram.
Fruit of the Spirit to focus on: Joy
Fives are humanity’s natural-born inquisitive innovators and test the world’s accepted truths from angles in which others’ minds never tend to venture toward or consider. Their driving desire for knowledge equates to power, and gaining knowledge leads them to feeling security within themselves. The power they seek is not intended to control others, but rather, to have control of themselves in relation to their environment. From the interactions that take place between a comforted baby and an in-tune, loving mother to the expanse of the seemingly endless universe to the unfathomable grace of God, Fives are the watchful eyes that seek to understand them . They remove themselves from the subjects that they wish to observe to take in all of their complexities and depth, often without allowing themselves to emotionally invest in them. They live within their minds and analyze to the point that they forget to acknowledge the potential for joy within the reality of each moment.
Every type forecasts the potential threats in their lives as a way to protect themselves. For Fives, that translates into their want to know all, so that the unknowns have no power over them to make them helpless and incapable; their minds are the armor and sword that give them the capability to achieve that contentment. For Fives, the reality of connecting to God and religion can give them even more potential for understanding the world.
Their analytical minds are the source that shapes their identity the most. It drives them to observe the details that surround their world, to investigate the overlooked and the out of the ordinary, to have a need to verify what others innately trust, and also to abide by their definitive boundaries that they set to observe from a distance and to keep conflict and emotion from invading their mind.
Since they rely so heavily on the power of their mind, they approach every obstacle with sensible practicality. They’re weary of trusting others, both mentally and emotionally, because there are no guarantees in trust reminding them of their fear of helplessness. Keeping everyone at an arm’s length is also a way for Fives to make sure they are objective in all of their actions. In relation to their emotions, they think through them — both pain and happiness — rather than actually feeling through them. Fives should recognize that joy can only be fully appreciated when they feel that emotion in the moment.
The setting of boundaries can be their most beloved gift and their most frustrating flaw. They are people capable of complex thinking who also appreciate simplicity in their ownerships, because instead of letting possessions possess them, they let learning be their passion. Their learning drives them as they intend to understand every facet of their fixations. While this can add so much knowledge to the world, it can also take over a Fives’ minds and become an entire world in its own. This can be anything from creating the perfect creative ballad that reflects the power of the ocean, to understanding a black hole.
One of the best practical pieces of advice for Fives to consider is to ground themselves in physical reality. Since so much of Fives identities is consumed by their investigative minds, connecting with the rest of them can greatly help. Yoga, meditation, jogging or even just deep breathing can help Fives reach a healthy, growing state.
Advice for those who know a Five:
Their desire for independence and strength in knowledge may leave them seeking privacy. This isn’t necessarily a pattern of disintegration, but when their passions drive them too far into isolation, engage them with compassion and guide them back to social reality. Encourage them to live in the moment and and accept the joys and heartaches that can bring.
They don’t have many people in their lives that they are willing to give their emotions and trust to. If they do, they are giving access to something that they don’t even truly feel comfortable letting themselves address. Fives most likely begin trusting by first trusting the judgement of the people in their lives. In turn, they begin to foster relationships where they can trust them with even more than intellectual decisions. For the people who have earned this trust over time, recognize and appreciate the influence that affect Fives lives so greatly, because they are capable of great things.
Verses:
Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 20:15
Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
Isaiah 41:10
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.
1 Corinthians 13:2
And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
