The Believers temperament

There is a satisfactory level of psychological and scientific consensus about the assertion that person’s personality and behavior is subject to their temperament. Thus, the four temperament theory is a proto-psychological theory that suggests that there are four fundamental personality types: sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic. Most formulations include the possibility of mixtures between the types, where an individual's personality types overlap and they share two or more temperaments. The question this article will answer is, is the believer also subject to this temperaments?

The ‘Four Temperament’ theory presupposes that some persons are naturally created to behave in a certain way. Summarily,

Sanguine

The personality type of Sanguine is described primarily as being enthusiastic, active, and social. More extroverted and enjoy being part of a crowd and charismatic. They are more susceptible to alcohol, drugs, sex and addictions. Mostly happy must subject to mood fluctuations.

Choleric

Choleric individuals also tend to be extroverted. They are described as being independent, decisive, and goal oriented. They are ambitious and enjoy leading. Choleric also have a logical and fact-based outlook on the world. Also more impulsive, deceitful and easily hurt.

Melancholic

These individuals tend to be analytical, detail oriented, and are deep thinkers and feelers. They are introverted. They are self-reliant, thoughtful, reserved, and often anxious. They are often slow, timid, gloomy and easily hurt.

Phlegmatic

A phlegmatic individual tends to be relaxed, peaceful, quiet, and easy-going. They are sympathetic and care about others, yet try to hide their emotions. They are also selfish, judgmental, fearful and self-righteous. 

While this may be true for the natural man, the believer in Christ has a different control mechanism. It is not the blood or any chemical which decides our personality, God works in us to live and act in a certain glorious way (Philippians 2:13). Simply put, our temperament is spirit-controlled.

The temperament of the believer is neither Sanguine, choleric, phlegmatic or melancholy, the temperament of the believer are the fruits of the spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 says” But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such there is no law.” No believer is given to fear and timidity and we are not intellectually disorganized (2 Timothy 1:7). Every believer can lead if he or she so desires (1 peter 2:9) etc.

You can be the best of yourself and have the attributes you so desire. How? Yield yourself to the Holy Spirit and commit yourself to constant fellowship (study of the word, prayer and worship) with him. In so doing, he becomes your friend, and you give him room to constantly change and transform you for better. However, don’t forget to commit yourself to training, learning and mentorship.

You are a work in progress, and the manufacturer (God) can twist the product (you) into any form. Don’t allow psychology define, you can be who God says you are, YOU CAN BE SIMPLY AWESOME!

Ezeme Kingsley C.

Kingynelsy@gmail.com