Devotional Ideas for Enneagram 6s: Faith for the One Who Checks Twice

By Nick Vogel· May 13, 2023Enneagram 6 — The LoyalistEnneagram Head Center (5, 6, 7)
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Thomas gets a rough deal in sermons, I think. He missed the room the night the risen Jesus first appeared, and when the others told him what they'd seen, he set his terms: "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe" (John 20:25). For that one sentence he's been "doubting Thomas" for two thousand years.

But read what happens next. A week later Jesus comes back, and he doesn't open with a rebuke. He walks straight up to Thomas and offers exactly what was asked for: "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe" (John 20:27). The evidence first, freely given. Then, and only then, the invitation further up: "blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). Jesus names a deeper trust worth growing toward, and he does it while Thomas's finger is still hovering over the proof.

If you're wired to verify before you rest your weight on anything, that scene is your welcome. Here's how to practice inside it.

Pray the Actual Scenario

Vigilance is expensive. Scanning for what could go wrong, running the contingencies, staying braced so the worst case can't catch you unprepared. Paul's alternative is specific: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). Present the requests. Not the sanitized summary, the requests themselves.

So skip "God, help me not to worry," which names no threat and hands nothing over. Pray the actual scenario you're bracing for. The diagnosis you're afraid the test will show. The conversation you're sure will go badly. The bill behind the bill. Spell it out to God the way your mind has already spelled it out to you in the middle of the night, and then ask for what the next verse promises, "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding" (Philippians 4:7), to stand guard where the vigilance was standing. Guard duty is the picture Paul chooses, and it means the post gets covered. It was never actually yours to hold all night.

Doubt in the Open

Notice that Thomas said it plainly. He didn't nod along with the other disciples' testimony while privately withholding judgment. He told them exactly what it would take, which is why, when Jesus appeared, the doubt was sitting in the open where it could be answered.

Your questions deserve the same daylight. Take the doubt you've been managing silently, the one you carry through worship while going through the motions, and say it to God in prayer without dressing it up as more settled than it is. If I'm honest, I'm not sure you'll come through on this. I believe, mostly, and part of me is still waiting for proof. That prayer has a long pedigree. God answers doubts that get brought to him. The ones managed alone in the dark just compound.

Act Without the Second Opinion

There's another cost to this wiring, and it's what it does to your trust in your own judgment. You sense the right call, and then you check with three people before making it, not because they know better but because your own read never feels like enough to stand on.

Practice standing on it in small ways. Pick one low-stakes decision this week and make it on your internal sense alone, without asking around first. This is a spiritual exercise, and here's why. God gives his people wisdom and expects it to be used, and the Spirit's guidance often arrives as exactly the discernment you keep second-guessing. Treating your own Spirit-formed judgment as permanently unreliable isn't humility. Somewhere in you is a sanctified gut, years of Scripture and prayer and paying attention, and it's allowed to make a call.

Come See the Hands

Jesus could have required blind faith from Thomas. What he did instead was cross the room and hold out his hands. The one who needed to check was given something to check, and church history says Thomas carried that verified faith farther than almost anyone. So keep being the one who reads the fine print and sees the risk nobody else sees. Communities stay safe because of people like you. Just bring the fears to God in full detail, keep the doubts where he can answer them, and let your own discernment carry weight now and then. The hands are still held out, and checking them was never the opposite of faith.

Frequently asked questions

How can Enneagram 6s relate to Jesus?

Enneagram 6s can relate to Jesus by understanding His role as a protector and guide. They may also find comfort in Jesus' teachings on faith and trust in God's plan. By developing a deep spiritual connection, Enneagram 6s can overcome their fears and doubts and find a sense of peace and security in their relationship with Jesus.

How can Enneagram 6 individuals manage their anxiety and self-doubt?

Enneagram 6s can manage their anxiety and self-doubt by practicing mindfulness, developing a support system of trusted friends and family, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation. They can also benefit from therapy and counseling to work through their fears and doubts.

What is Enneagram 6?

Enneagram 6 is a personality type in the Enneagram system. Enneagram 6s are known as "The Loyalists" and are characterized by their loyalty, commitment, and need for security. They are also known for their tendency towards anxiety and self-doubt.

How do Enneagram type 6s behave in relationships?

Enneagram type 6s tend to be very loyal and committed partners, and may place a high value on stability and security in their relationships. They may also have a tendency to become anxious or insecure in relationships, particularly if they feel like their partner is not reliable or trustworthy.

Can Enneagram type 6s be successful leaders?

Yes, Enneagram type 6s can be very effective leaders, particularly in situations where stability and security are important. They are often able to build strong teams and establish clear goals and expectations. However, they may need to work on managing their anxiety and fear in high-pressure situations.

How can Enneagram type 6s improve their personal growth and development?

Enneagram type 6s can benefit from learning to trust their own judgment and intuition, and cultivating a greater sense of self-confidence and self-reliance. They can also benefit from practicing mindfulness and learning to manage their anxiety and fear more effectively.

What are some common challenges that Enneagram type 6s face?

Enneagram type 6s can struggle with anxiety and fear, particularly around uncertainty or change. They may also have a tendency to become overly dependent on others for reassurance and guidance, which can sometimes lead to feelings of insecurity or self-doubt.

What are some common strengths of Enneagram type 6?

Enneagram type 6s are often loyal, responsible, and dependable. They have a strong sense of duty and commitment, and are often very reliable in their personal and professional relationships. They are also typically very practical and able to solve problems in a logical and efficient manner.