Types Of Symptoms Manifested By People Who Depend On Masks - 2 Cor. 10:8-12

TYPES OF SYMPTOMS MANIFESTED BY PEOPLE WHO DEPEND ON MASKS - 2 Cor. 10:8-12

Just as a doctor diagnoses causes by looking for physical symptoms so a contextualizer should ascertain spiritual causes by looking for certain symptoms of pretentiousness. The following is a brief list of some the symptomatic types of people who are habitually using masks to cover over their deficiencies. A contextualizer will be open to the Spirit’s probing into his own spiritual, social, emotional, moral, or intellectual inadequacies by convicting him of these various symptoms. Certain cultural differences will occur, but the majority of the symptoms are manifested in all cultures, by all personalities, and in most organizations.

1. Proud People - These are arrogant types who are high-minded, haughty, and exclusive in their interactions with others. Often they are covering up their own feelings of insecurity with a tough exterior. Since they depend on their aggressive manner to get what they want, they are often rebuffed by others for reasons of faulty motives. Presumptuous also characterizes these people in thinking that they can get their way via their position, background, or connections. Their overbearing manner turns many away from the Christ who was meek and humble in mind. The Bible warns these folks that God resists the proud and pride goes before destruction.

2. Passive-Aggressive - These folks are able to express their opposition by quietly resisting authority. They want to control others to their indirect means of rebellion. They are fond of using undermining techniques to coerciveful subvert the success of others. It is often hard to tell if these people are for or against you since they have a marvelous ability to disguise their motives. Since they are subtly in opposition to most changes they are stubborn even to the promptings of the Spirit of God. Using border - line compliance with the rules they are skilled at using delay tactics to get what they want. They will even go behind others’ back to discredit people whom they do not like.

3. Rejection - Complex People - These folks want to be accepted more than anything else in the world. They are eager to give their loyalties to whomever will accept them and help them with their problems. They have experienced rejection, isolation, and estrangement from some of their family previously so they are eager for a sense of belonging. They are very insecure when they think that they do not receive an adequate amount of attention. They cannot stand to be ignored, excluded, or reject in any way. They do not do well with assignments where they have to work along. They often lack any suitable amount of social skills and they hate to be teased.

4. Unteachable People - These folks are unwilling to learn from their circumstances, others’ advice, or experiences. They resist change because they see the traditional ways as being best. They have a basket full of excuses for every good idea to improve their character qualities. By relying on their past laurels they tend to live in the past rather than the present. Pride blocks them from experiences new ideas that are not directly in agreement with previous formed assumptions.

5. Defiant People - These people resist authority and carry on a power struggle with their authorities. They openly enjoy confronting others as they are possessed with a toughness of character. Often they are fond of using statements like, ``You can’t make me do anything I do not want to do. Or Who do you think you are trying to dictate terms to me!’’ One can tell when they are opposing an idea as they frown, grimace, or cynically mimic the authorities’ mannerisms. These are people who may even resort to physical violence to get what they are after.

6. Failure Oriented People - These are people who are convinced that whatever they do will eventually result in failure. They often avoid starting up a new task because they are sure it will be a vain effort. Even when they succeed they are easily frustrated and are ready to quit for the slightest reasons. They are easily put off when any obstacles gets in their way. They are easily discouraged by criticisms from others and tend to lose confidence in themselves, God, or their organization when accusations are hurled.

7. Underachieving People - These folks do just enough to get by. They do not value hard work because they have a fatalistic attitude toward success. They believe that if God wants them to succeed it will come to them. Often they use their resigned mentality to get out of doing what they are expected to do. These people represent the vast majority of the followers in society.

8. Undisciplined People - These are people who are easily distracted from their duties. They generally have short attention spans and are unable to maintain their concentration for long periods of time. They are rarely able to complete a task without being drawn away by someone or something.