Don't Allow Labels to Define Who You Are

Have you ever taken a personality test? There are multiple, but I believe the most popular one is the Myers-Briggs test. In these tests you answer a battery of questions and at the end are presented with a personality type. For example, there are 16 different types of personalities according to Myers-Briggs. I’ve taken the test a bunch of times and am labeled an INTJ (Introverted-Intuitive-Thinking-Judging), otherwise known as the “Architect” or “Conceptual Planner”. That should come as no surprise if you know me, but here’s my word of caution (to myself, even):

We mustn’t allow labels to define us.

We live in a world that adores labels. We have labels for everything, hence the extensive list of adjectives in our spoken language. While there’s a certain efficiency to labeling things, there are also pitfalls that I’d like to point out in this blog.

If we label ourselves (or adopt labels others have given us) we have conceded, at least to some degree, aspects of ourselves that do not fit neatly into said label. Even worse, if the label is mostly wrong, we risk being influenced by some preconceived outcome for all people bearing that same label. Labels can dash our hopes and dreams.

For example, just because INTJs typically enjoy big-picture thoughts, does that mean a guy like me ought to be discouraged from achieving great success in labor that involves attention to details? I hope not.

We often like to self-label because labels shorten the runway when it comes to new relationships. Think about whenever we meet someone new. What types of things do we ask one another and what kind of language do we use to accelerate our learning? We tend to use specific adjectives and labels to describe ourselves, don’t we? Indeed. For example, “I’m an artist, athlete, tree hugger, influencer, extrovert, Veteran…” and so on. We cling to our “good” labels so others will think more highly of us, right? But what about the “bad” labels (even if they are true) like tramp, addict, alcoholic, ex-con, cheater, thief, and so on? We usually receive these labels from others and, if we hear them enough, we may begin to self-label if we’re not strong enough to deflect them.

No label completely defines a person. While it may be accurate in some respects, we need to avoid being wholly wrapped up in it and therefore constrained somehow. That’s an imposition on our freedom, an artificial one at that.

Another example I’ve been thinking a lot about lately involves suffering. I know a lot of people who live with chronic pain (whether physical, emotional, or both). I give them a lot of credit for not simply throwing in the towel halfway through each day. Unfortunately, some of these folks have labeled themselves “sufferers”, where this suffering has essentially defined them, their very existence even. Their reputation precedes them in many cases. Therein lies the danger.

Labels have a bad habit of dominating us, especially when we hyper-identify with them. We should never concede that type of power to a label, especially not as God’s children, even if there are perceived personal gains to be had (e.g., “sufferers” often get a free pass when it comes to living for others because, well, they’re purpose-built to receive what others must give).

In the case of the “sufferer”, it usually only takes a few minutes before every conversation turns to the topic of their pain. While the rest of us sympathize (praying often for these individuals), one-sided conversations are not conducive to healthy relationships. These “sufferers” become emotional tyrants who, sadly, presume certain label-based entitlements that don’t exist. Just because you’re in pain doesn’t mean you can’t be present for others in the Body of Christ. In fact, maybe you’re stuck in your misery because you haven’t loved others as Christ did (John 15:13). Food for thought if this describes you (ask someone you trust if you’re not sure).

So, what’s my point here? It’s simple.

Labels are fine when it comes to efficiency of speech; however, we mustn’t be in bondage to them. They should never preclude us from living our lives, fully, as God designed them. Labels are inherently constricting, so be careful what you agree to.

If we’re ever going to accept a label, it ought to be from the only One qualified to give it – the Lord.


Never allow this world to label you because of your sins.



Confess your sins, but do not be labeled by them. What did Jesus tell the woman caught in adultery? “From now on sin no more” (John 8:11). Did He command her to wear a scarlet letter? Nope. So then, neither should you wear one for your past sins. Furthermore, labels tend to be self-fulfilling, so avoid them for this reason also.

Labels are a double-edged sword. While they carve out one thing, they leave out another. Be very careful what you allow yourself to be saddled with, like the results of a Myers-Briggs test, even if it’s all in good fun. God has the best labels to give, so read your Bible and see what the Spirit has to say to you in prayer.


Love in Christ,

Ed Collins