In last week’s column, we discovered that it’s very likely Gideon was an introvert. We saw how, leading up to his decisive victory over the Midianites, he carefully sought clarification and reassurance from God. Without judgment, God provided what Gideon needed to build his confidence and ensure the right outcome. Unfortunately, Gideon later made some not-so-good decisions.
He is tired and feeling pressured
After successful conquests, with peace and safety restored, Gideon is ready to settle back into a quiet life. But the men of Israel press him to be their king, an opportunity he eschews.
I can imagine the introvert Gideon tired of having to be “on” for such a long time, just wanting to live out the rest of his life in peace. He’s fought a lot of hard, exhausting battles.
Tired introverts tend to make poor judgments, especially under pressure. And that’s what Gideon did. Instead of agreeing to be king, or suggesting everyone take a break so he could think things over, he rashly creates an “ephod” which was a kind of idol.
While the details are sketchy, Gideon takes this ephod and erects it in the city, perhaps in the same place where the altar to Baal he’d torn down a few years prior had stood. His intention may have been to create a visual reminder of all God had done for him and his people, but instead, the ephod became an object of worship and a “snare” to those who worshipped it.
He adapts to cultural customs
In the concluding verses of chapter 8, it’s noted that Gideon had “many” wives, a concubine, and at least 71 children. Only sons are mentioned so he probably had daughters as well. How, you wonder, could someone with such a large extended family be an introvert?
Simple. Introverts know how to adapt to and live within cultural expectations. This ability often causes introverts to be mistaken for being extroverts.
As the influential patriarch of his family, Gideon would have had control over his environment. In his culture and his time, the women watched the children and the men did what they wanted to. It would have been easy for him to manage ample times of solitude to recharge.
Still, being surrounded by so many people so much of the time added to his exhaustion and pressures.
He is sidelined by his people, but not by God
Sadly, after his death, “the people of Israel…did not show steadfast love to the family of Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) in return for all the good that he had done to Israel” (Judges 8:34-35, ESV).
Talk about tossing the baby out with the bath water! But God viewed his situation differently.
Hebrews 11 is known as “the faith chapter.” In it, the writer lists heroic Old Testament characters. These are extraordinary individuals whose stories serve as examples to encourage and challenge our own faith.
Despite his faults, Gideon makes the cut.
Along with others, such as David and Samson (both marked by glaring flaws by the way), they and Gideon are described as having “through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.”
He was a quiet leader used by God
The story of Gideon is a wonderful example of how God acknowledges different personality types, and, in this instance, shows how He deals patiently and encouragingly with an introvert. Gideon rose to the occasion as an exceptional leader.
He was not an extroverted, outgoing, charismatic, or flashy warrior. He was a quiet leader who faced a tremendous challenge successfully. He was not in it for his own glory. He was in it for the Lord’s glory, and to help his people.
Yes, introverts can be heroes, too. They may not be as visible as Gideon was in his day, but you probably know one. Or, maybe you are one.
Next week, we’ll take a somewhat tongue-in-cheek look at three things introverts dread in church!
Agree? Disagree? Have a question about this column? Email Stephen at cnjintrovert@gmail.com. Share your thoughts about being a Christian introvert!
Stephen R. Clark is a writer who lives in Lansdale, PA with his wife, BethAnn, where they are members of Immanuel Church. His website is www.StephenRayClark.com. He is a member of the Evangelical Press Association and managing editor of the Christian Freelance Writers Network blog. He is also a news writer for The Baptist Paper and contributor to the Englewood Review of Books. His writing has appeared in several publications. The content of this column is copyright © by Stephen R. Clark.