OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE personality disorder or OCPD affects 3%-8% of adults. According to the DSM-5, (which has since been been updated) and a therapist I used to see, I have text book OCPD along with some other things that I refuse to label myself by. I am preoccupied with and insist on details, rules, lists, order and organization. I have perfectionism that interferes with completing tasks. I have excessive devotion to work and productivity. This results in neglecting hobbies and spending less time with loved ones. I am a rigid, rule following, black and white, ruminating person.
I can have difficulty coping with criticism and over focus on other’s flaws. These things at one time in my life controlled me. Yes, personality disorders exist. HOWEVER, all the experts agree on this: these “disorders” are possible to treat, though, once identified, “If the person is open to the possibility of change”. Experts know what the Bible has always known- that the effects of sin produce in us “disorders”; but that we can change through the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. These things do NOT have to control us nor define us. That is, IF we would examine ourselves honestly and with the help of the Spirit want to change.
“For if we searchingly examined ourselves [detecting our shortcomings and recognizing our own condition], we should not be judged and penalty decreed [by the divine judgment].” 1 Corinthians 11:31
I have worked hard at changing these things about myself. Some of these traits have helped me in the ministry and some of hindered me greatly. It takes a concerted effort to not just want to change, but to actually do the work to change. It begins with self examination. This is an intricate part of our Christian walk. We are even told to “examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith”. The psalmist prayed that his heart would be thoroughly examined, as we often cannot see ourselves clearly.
We need the help of the Holy Spirit. You can hide your true self from others, even from your own eyes; but never from God. A.W. Tozer poses questions for self-examining, “What do you want most? What/who do you admire? What do you think about most? How do you use your money? How do you spend your time? Reject the conventional answer. Insist on the true one.”
Insist on the true answer when the Spirit reveals your “disorders”. We must not deceive ourselves about our true condition. The above answers will reveal to you what and who is REALLY the most important in your life and what needs to change. The answers reveal your heart’s disorder. When the Spirit reveals these things, do not be ashamed or disheartened. There’s still things about me that I hate. I’m working on it. Praise God that He loves us enough to reveal those disorders that hinder our walk. I want you to know that you can change through His power, IF you are willing to change. It’s a process and I am still changing. As they say, I’m not yet where I want to be, but praise God I’m not who I used to be! I’m pressing on.
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page