The Enneagram and Spiritual Disciplines
“Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” It’s one of my favorite quotes, and it frequently goes around social media. The source is murky, but the truth stands. We human beings just can’t help smashing round pegs into square holes. When it comes to our spiritual formation, the same is true. The Enneagram provides a tool to help us embrace our diversity and explore spiritual disciplines that uniquely cultivate holiness in our lives.
Discipleship, or spiritual formation, isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. As much as we ministry leaders love our curriculums, neither Jesus nor any of his disciples who led the first churches advocated any 12, 10, or 7-step process. In fact, scenes like Acts 15 might suggest they did the opposite: agree on some basic, big-picture essentials, but the particulars are up for grabs.
The spiritual disciplines are like all the workout machines at the gym. They exercise particular spiritual muscles. The Enneagram is a tool for our spiritual formation that can help us personalize our spiritual “workout routine.” Each type has a particular vulnerability (or “passion,” or “sin,” depending on the book you read), and so each type has particular work in transforming that vulnerability into a holy strength.
Type One
“God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect” (Psalm 18:32).
“For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us” (Hebrews 11:40).
Ones turn from anger to serenity. And one spiritual discipline for cultivating serenity is celebration. Richard Foster says, “Celebration is central to all the spiritual disciplines. Without a joyful spirit of festivity, the disciplines become dull, death-breathing tools in the hands of modern Pharisees.”Legalism can be especially tempting to a One, and celebration provides an antidote. A regular habit of a simple common meal shared with friends, neighbors, or new acquaintances can open up a One to joyful surprises.
Type Two
“But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me” (Psalm 13:5).
“Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:7, 8).
Twos turn from pride to humility. One spiritual practice for growing humility is spiritual direction. In spiritual direction, a Two can learn to notice their own needs and desires. They can cultivate a friendship and affection for their own selves in the very same way they naturally offer it to others. Spiritual direction provides a safe environment for the self care that the Two often forgets.
Type Three
“Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces” (Psalm 34:5).
“There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).
The journey of the Three is from vanity to hope. One spiritual discipline for growing hope is sabbath. Threes need to be reminded that they are human beings rather than human doings. Sabbath is a weekly reminder that it is God who keeps the world spinning and not our own creative productivity. Sabbath is what the end of the world looks like. It is the good, joyful, and beautiful end of all our work. The Three needs Mary’s secret—that sitting at Jesus’ feet is the one thing to be concerned about.
Type Four
“Yahweh is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed” (Psalm 34:18).
“Jesus responded, ‘Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?'” (John 11:40).
Fours move from envy to levelheadedness. One way a Four can make this journey is the discipline of confession. A band meeting, in the Wesleyan tradition, can provide an environment not simply to share their own vulnerabilities, but more importantly to listen to and share in the struggles of others. A regular rhythm of hearing the confessions of trusted friends invites the Four out of their own inner isolation and into empathy for those they can care for.
Type Five
“Then you will understand what it means to fear Yahweh, and you will gain knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:5).
“For, ‘Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?’ But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).
Fives turn from avarice to non-attachment. One way for a five to cultivate non-attachment in their life is through the spiritual discipline of service. Fives need to turn their thinking into doing. This can look like the letting go of the self-imposed boundaries and embracing generosity. Volunteering at a soup kitchen or with a service project can free a Five from getting lost in their own head.
Type Six
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6).
A Six journeys from fear to courage. One way a Six can do this is through the spiritual discipline of reading and studying Scripture. There are many ways of doing this, but lectio divina can be particularly helpful. By saturating themselves in God’s Word, by deep, attentive listening, the Six grounds their identity in the truth about God’s character and story.
Type Seven
“Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy” (Psalm 5:11).
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon” (Philippians 4:4, 5).
Sevens turn from gluttony to sobriety. One method of developing inner sobriety is the discipline of fasting. Fasting cuts to the quick of mindless consumerism. It invites the Seven to slowly and carefully pay attention to all the things, activities, and experiences of life. It helps to slow down and smell the roses.
Type Eight
“The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is upon me, for Yahweh has anointed me to bring good news to the poor” (Isaiah 61:1).
“God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6).
Eights make the journey from lust to innocence. One way they can do this is the spiritual discipline of centering prayer. Eugene Peterson vividly captures this image when we talks about the “poised harpooner” from Moby Dick: “To insure the greatest efficiency in the dart, the harpooners of this world must start to their feet out of idleness, and not out of toil.” This is the posture of centering prayer.
Type Nine
“Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace” (Psalm 37:37).
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me” (John 15:4).
Nines turn from sloth to action. One spiritual discipline a Nine can practice for this simplicity. Whether it’s Marie Kondo or The Minimalists, simplicity finds itself currently riding the wave of popular culture. “Does this spark joy?” can be a filter as we sort through the stuff we’ve accumulated. For a Nine, perhaps a better question is “Does this deepen my love of God and neighbor?” Like the Seven and fasting, simplicity invites the Nine to pay deeper attention to the things of life.
It’s not enough to just know you’re Enneagram type. You have to do something with it. It’s an invitation to cooperate with God in all of the ways that the Holy Spirit is transforming you. Choosing one spiritual discipline to practice regularly is a great place to start.
If you want to explore spiritual disciplines deeper, be sure to check these out:
Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation by Ruth Haley Barton
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster
The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives by Dallas Willard