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Friday 21st of October 2022
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Perfect Relationship : 24 Tools for Building BRIDGES to Harmony and Taking Down WALLS of Conflict in our Relationships – Understanding Your Temperament and that of others Episode 2 – Your Temperament and How it Impacts Your Relationships – Welcome to Human Engineering – 4 Basic and 12 Blends of Temperaments
Friends, my wife and I are celebrating our twenty second (22) year in marriage today with a three (3) day retreat, away from everybody, including our children to explore what worked in the last 22 years, what is not working and make adjustments as we plan for the future of our relationship. We thank God for His faithfulness.
God makes us “perfect in one….”-John17:23 ( Paraphrased)
As I recounted before, this is my second marriage. The last ended in less than seven years. There are lessons to LEARN from both that could benefit those who are planning to marry, those who are currently in it and those who are divorced and scared to knots in attempting any future involvement. Whilst others have written marriage off their plates both now and into the future.
I don’t blame you if you don’t know the art and you are trying to run relationship by your wits.. We all need the grace of God in marriage and an understanding heart.
There are some discoveries I made from these two relationships which if you are attentive and LEARN diligently, you will be equipped in this post today to handle your relationships in a way that honors and glorifies God as it touches on marriage relationships and other kinds of relationships for that matter. Testing your genotypes is great and much more types of test that needs to be taken if you do not want a life of torment and had I known. Many have died so early because they jumped into long term relationship without planning.
This recording is 1 hour, 24 minutes long. Compared to a life time of storms in your relationship, 1 hour, 24 minutes in infinitesimal.
They are these:
1) First marriage, I led myself. Second marriage, I was led by the Holy Spirit with precise instructions that anyone can hardly miss. It took long times of prayers and searching both physically and spiritually.
2) As it touches on temperament, in the First marriage, we were both extroverts, risk taker, competitor, leaders on both primary and secondary temperaments and similar traits on so many counts. We competed as classmates and as married couples.
In the second marriage, on the temperament score, we complemented one another. I am an extrovert, Comfort is an introvert. I am a risk takers, Comfort is not but as time went on, we began to blend in our temperaments. Where I was weak, now I have become stronger and where she was weak she has become stronger.
God is not an author of confusion. He will not yoke you with someone completely similar to you. That was why He said, “I will make him a help meet like himself perfectly, and not a competitor. – paraphrased. Genesis 2:18
3) In the first marriage, there were k- legs when it comes to loving God. In this one, we both loved God before we married and long after we said, “I do,” we still love God with more intensity.
4) Our divine purpose, which we took time to investigate don’t clash with one another but complement each other.
These are the core. There are more.
This write-up will bring you more keys which even if you can’t hear God, you can move forward with understanding – discernment.
There are 12 blends of temperaments apart from the basic core of 4.You will get all the details here
At this point, it will be great to ask these questions below:
1) Why did God chose 12 patriarchs from Jacobs son to form a nation called Israel?
2) Why did Jesus chose 12 disciples instead of 8, or 9 or 10? One of Jesus disciple was from Canaan.
3) Why are their 12 blends of temperaments?
I will attempt to give answers to the above drawing from the well of wisdom and understanding working with God for more than 28 years.
12 represent government. 12 represent 12 various blends in human temperament that may be required to form a rock solid government, or Church or organization, lacking no weakness that can bring that government or church, family or organization down.
Above are my conclusions, let me have yours.
Now, today’s episode particularly is long and for those who need it, it will be a vital instruction to help run the race of life successfully and they will take their time to digest the instructions no matter how long. We are better safe than sorry later.
This article is for you. You will pencil down your basic temperament and you will begin to pencil the temperaments of others including children, friend, work colleagues, boss, etc. If for nothing, it will make you a better adviser or counselor. You will be able to pencil down why your Relationships are not working and what you can do to correct them.
Before we go right in, If you missed our last introductory episode titled, “Perfect Relationship : 24 Tools for Building BRIDGES to Harmony and Taking Down WALLS of Conflict in our Relationships – Understanding Your Temperament and that of others Episode 1 – Introduction”, follow this link below: https://www.otakada.org/perfect-relationship-24-tools-for-building-bridges-to-harmony-and-taking-down-walls-of-conflict-in-our-relationships-understanding-your-temperament-and-that-of-others-episode-1-introduction/
The wisest man, king Solomon wrote in Proverbs
5
“Get [skillful and godly] wisdom! Acquire understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]!
Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
6
“Do not [a]turn away from her (Wisdom) and she will guard and protect you;
Love her, and she will watch over you.
7
“The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]!
And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation].
8
“Prize wisdom [and exalt her], and she will exalt you;
She will honor you if you embrace her.
9
“She will place on your head a garland of grace;
She will present you with a crown of beauty and glory.”
As we explore, “Perfect Relationship : 24 Tools for Building BRIDGES to Harmony and Taking Down WALLS of Conflict in our Relationships – Understanding Your Temperament and that of others Episode 2 – Your Temperament and How it Impacts Your Relationships – Welcome to Human Engineering – 4 Basic and 12 Blends of Temperaments “, I would like you to keep an open mind as we deliver these 24 Tools to you that could help you navigate any kind of relationship be it with spouse, children, family members, work colleagues, churches members, neighbors and anyone for that matter.
In the course of ministering to people from different parts of the world. 90% of those ministering efforts bothers on counseling on relationship and their fallouts.
As we visit churches and witnessed and study church splits around the world, the core of the issues on UNITY bothers on relationship management, understanding our wiring and that of others, how to manage conflicts. How to disagree to agree.
In all honesty, we cannot separate family relationship from other relationships. Especially the church relationships.
As the family goes, so does society go.
The church is an extension of family. If the church is failing, it means the family is failing. If the family is not united, the church cannot be united until we understand the God kind of love and deploy them on the mission field of life.
We must view all our relationships as mission fields that will require knowledge understanding and divine counsel every step of the way.
Three scriptures bring this out very clearly for our meditation and understanding as follows:
Instructions for Christian Households
21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[b] 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband
4 He must rule his own household well, keeping his children under control, with true dignity, commanding their respect in every way and keeping them respectful.
5 For if a man does not know how to rule his own household, how is he to take care of the church of God?
And
6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham [following him and having regard for him as head of their house], calling him [a]lord. And you have become her daughters if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear [that is, being respectful toward your husband but not giving in to intimidation, nor allowing yourself to be led into sin, nor to be harmed].
7 In the same way, you husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way [with great gentleness and tact, and with an intelligent regard for the marriage relationship], as with [b]someone physically weaker, since she is a woman. Show her honor and respect as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered or ineffective.
8 Finally, all of you be like-minded [united in spirit], sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted [courteous and compassionate toward each other as members of one household], and humble in spirit;
What then has these scriptures got to do with today’s title, “Understanding Your Temperament and that of others Episode 2 – Your Temperament and How it Impacts Your Relationships – Welcome to Human Engineering – 4 Basic and 12 Blends of Temperaments”
Without understanding, we cannot have a relationship that is without strife. We need to first understand our wiring and that of others. By understanding why we do what we do and why others do what they do..what are their strength and weaknesses and what are our strength and weaknesses?
Without arming ourselves with these information, we will certainly struggle.
That is what I want to present today, hoping that you will run with these information which will bring maximum positive impact to your relationship with God, with yourself and with others.
Let’s dive in friends – Welcome to Human engineering.
Proverbs 19:2 From the Jewish bible says,
2 To act without knowing how you function is not good;
and if you rush ahead, you will miss your goal.
Meditate actively on the scripture above.
As we look at the classification of temperament, where you fit in, what are your strength and weaknesses and those you engage with, We looked into late Tim Lahaye’s book – “Why you act the way you do.”
Late Tim Lahaye did a lot of work on human temperament and how it influences our relationship for equipping of the saints. Let’s journey together into this book and a host of others to gain insight from the biblical perspective.
Everyone is interested in human behavior – what makes people tick And most of all, why they think feel, respond, explode, and act the way they do.
Nothing answers those questions better than the theory of the four temperaments.
It explains differences in people—their tastes, their creative capabilities, their strengths and weaknesses. It explains why some people conflict with others and why others are attracted to each other.
Humanly speaking, nothing has a more profound influence on your behavior than your inherited temperament The combination of your parents’ genes and chromosomes at conception, which determined your basic temperament nine months before you drew your first breath, is largely responsible for your actions, reactions, emotional responses, and, to one degree or another, almost everything you do.
Most people are completely unaware of this extremely powerful influence on their behavior. Consequently, instead of cooperating with it and using it, they conflict with this inner power and often try to make something of themselves that they were never intended to be. This not only limits them personally, but affects their immediate family and often spoils other interpersonal relationships. It is one of the reasons so many people say, “I don’t like myself” or, “I can’t find myself.” When a person discovers his own basic temperament, he can usually figure out rather easily what vocational opportunities he is best suited for, how to get along with other people, what natural weaknesses to watch for, what kind of wife he should marry, and how he can improve the effectiveness of his life.
WHAT IS TEMPERAMENT?
Temperament is the combination of traits we inherited from our parents. No one knows where it resides, but I think it is somewhere in the mind or emotional center (often referred to as the heart). From that source it combines with other human characteristics to produce our basic makeup. Most of us are more conscious of its expression than we are its function.
It is a person’s temperament that makes him outgoing and extroverted or shy and introverted. Doubtless you know both kinds of people who were born to the same parents. Similarly, it is temperament that makes some people art and music enthusiasts while others are sports or industry-minded. In fact, I have met outstanding musicians whose siblings were tonedeaf.
Temperament is not the only influence upon our behavior, of course. Early home life, training, education, and motivation also exercise powerful influences on our actions throughout life.
Temperament is, however, the Number One influence on a person’s life, not only because it is the first thing that affects us, but because, like body structure, color of eyes, and other physical characteristics, it escorts us through life.
An extrovert is an extrovert. He may tone down the expression of his extroversion, but he will always be an extrovert Similarly, although an introvert may be able to come out of his shell and act more aggressively, he will never be transformed into an extrovert.
Temperament sets broad guidelines on everyone’s behavior—patterns that will influence a person as long as he lives. On one side are his strengths, on the other his weaknesses.
The primary advantage to learning about the four basic temperaments is to discover your most pronounced strengths and weaknesses so that with God’s help you can overcome your weaknesses and take advantage of your strengths.
No scripture comes to mind like Romans 12:1-2
12 I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
Transformation happens when we apply God’s word in obedience to our identified weaknesses as we project christlikeness to our world.
In this way you can fulfill your personal destiny to the maximum.
Temperament is passed on through the genes and no doubt was influenced by the Adamic fall. That is why we all identify with the desire to do good while at the same time we possess a desire to do evil. The Apostle Paul no doubt felt that same way when he said, “… for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not For the good that I would I do not but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me” (Rom. 7:18-20).
Paul differentiated between himself and that uncontrollable force within by saying, “It is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” The “I” is Paul’s person—the soul, will, and mind of man. The “sin” that dwelled in him was the human nature that he, like all human beings, inherited from his parents. This basic nature that we have all inherited from our parents is called several things in the Bible: “the natural man,” “the flesh,” “the old man,” and “corruptible flesh,” to name a few. It provides the basic impulses of our being as we seek to satisfy our wants. To properly understand its control of our actions and reactions, we should distinguish carefully between temperament, character, and personality.
Temperament is the combination of inborn traits that subconsciously affect man’s behavior. These traits are arranged genetically on the basis of nationality, race, sex, and other hereditary factors. These traits are passed on by the genes. Some psychologists suggest that we get more genes from our grandparents than our parents. That could account for the greater resemblance of some children to their grandparents than to their parents.
The alignment of temperament traits is just as unpredictable as the color of eyes, hair, or size of body.
Character is the real you. The Bible refers to it as “the hidden man of the heart.” It is the result of your natural temperament modified by childhood training, education, basic attitudes, beliefs, principles, and motivations. It is sometimes referred to as “the soul” of man, which is made up of the mind, emotions, and will.
Personality is the outward expression of ourselves, which may or may not be the same as our character, depending on how genuine we are. Often personality is a pleasing facade for an unpleasant or weak character. Many people go through life acting a part on the basis of what they think they should be, or how they want people to see them, rather than as they really are. This is a formula for mental and spiritual chaos. It is caused by following the human formula for acceptable conduct, which places the emphasis on externals.
The Bible tells us, “Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart”; and, “Out of the heart proceeds the issues of life.” The place to change behavior is inside man, not outside.
In summary, temperament is the combination of traits we were born with; character is our “civilized” temperament; and personality is the “face” we show to others. Since temperament traits are received genetically from our parents and hence are unpredictable, one should keep in mind some of the factors that influence temperament Nationality and race probably play the most significant part in formulating one’s inherited temperament.
A person’s sex will also affect temperament, particularly in the realm of the emotions. Women are usually considered to be more emotionally expressive than men. Even the hardest of women will weep at times, whereas some men never weep.
Temperament traits, whether controlled or uncontrolled, last throughout life. The older we get, however, the softer and more mellow our harsh and hard traits tend to become. Man learns that if he is to live at peace with his fellowman, it is best to emphasize his natural strengths and subdue his weaknesses. Many are successful in developing their character and improving their personality, but comparatively few are able to change their temperament It is possible, however, to so modify your temperament that you seem like an entirely different person. To do so, however, requires outside help and that is where the Holy Spirit comes in.
The heart of the temperament theory, as first conceived by Hippocrates over twenty-four hundred years ago, divides people into four basic categories, which he named sanguine, choleric, melancholy, and phlegmatic.
Each temperament type has both strengths and weaknesses that form a distinct part of his makeup throughout life. Once a person diagnoses his own basic temperament, he is better equipped to ascertain what vocational opportunities he is best suited for and what natural weaknesses he must work on to keep from short-circuiting his potential and creativity. The temperament chart below summarizes these strengths and weaknesses, revealing several of each per temperament.
The following brief descriptions of the four basic temperaments will introduce you to these four different types of people.
No doubt you will identify several of your friends in one or another of these classifications, and if you look carefully, you may even discover one that reminds you of yourself.
MEET PASCAL and LOLA the SANGUINES
PASCAL and LOLA are warm, buoyant, lively, and “enjoying” persons. Receptive by nature, external impressions easily find their way to their hearts, where they cause an outburst of response. Feelings rather than reflective thoughts predominate to form there decisions. PASCAL and LOLA are outgoing and they are usually considered a superextrovert PASCAL and LOLA have unusual capacity for enjoying themselves and usually passes on their funloving spirit The moment they enter a room they tend to lift the spirits of everyone present by their exuberant conversation. They are fascinating storytellers and warm, emotional nature almost helps you relive the experience as they tells it.
PASCAL and LOLA never lack friends. They can genuinely feel the joys and sorrows of the person they meet and have the capacity to make them feel important, as though they were very special friends —and they are, as long as they are looking at you. Then they fixe their eyes with equal intensity on the next person they meet.
The Apostle Peter in the Bible was much like PASCAL and LOLA. Every time he appeared in the Gospels he was talking. In fact, I read through the Gospels one time to verify my suspicion and found that Simon Peter talked more than all the other disciples put together. That is typical for PASCAL and LOLA. A sanguine always enters a room mouth first” His or her noisy, blustering, friendly ways make them appear more confident than they really are, but their energy and lovable disposition get them by the rough spots of life. People have a way of excusing their weaknesses by saying, “That’s just the way they are.”
MEET UCHE and ADA, the CHOLERICs
UCHE and ADA the Choleric are hot, quick, active, practical, strong-willed, self-sufficient, and very independent.
They tend to be decisive and opinionated, finding it easy to make decisions both for themselves and other people. Like Pascal and Lola the Sanguines, UCHE and ADA the Cholerics are extrovert, but are not nearly so intense.
They thrive on activity. They do not need to be stimulated by their environment, but rather stimulates their environment with endless ideas, plans, goals, and ambitions. They do not engage in aimless activity, for they have practical, keen mind, capable of making sound, instant decisions or planning worthwhile projects.
They do not vacillate under the pressure of what others think, but take definite stand on issues and can often be found crusading against some social injustice or subversive situation. UCHE and ADA are not frightened by adversities; in fact, they tend to encourage them. Their dogged determination usually allows them to succeed where others have failed.
UCHE and ADA’s emotional nature are least developed part of their temperament. They do not sympathize easily with others, nor do they naturally show or express compassion. They are often embarrassed or disgusted by the tears of others and are usually insensitive to their needs. They reflect little appreciation for music and the fine arts, unless their secondary temperament traits are those of the melancholy. They invariably seek utilitarian and productive values in life.
Not given to analysis, but rather to quick, almost intuitive appraisal, the choleric – UCHE and ADA tend to look at the goal for which they are working without recognizing the potential pitfalls and obstacles in the path. Once they have started toward their goals, they may run roughshod over individuals who stand in their way. They tend to be domineering and bossy and do not hesitate to use people to accomplish their ends. They are often considered opportunists.
MEET PHILIP and AISHA the MELANCHOLIES
PHILIP and AISHA the Melancholies are the richest of all the temperaments. They are analytical, self-sacrificing, gifted, perfectionist type with very sensitive emotional nature. No one gets more enjoyment from the fine arts than the melancholies. By nature, they are prone to be introvert; but since their feelings predominate, they are given to a variety of moods. Sometimes they will lift them to heights of ecstasy that cause them to act more extroverted. However, at other times they will be gloomy and depressed, and during these periods they become withdrawn and can be quite antagonistic.
PHILIP and AISHA are very faithful friend, but unlike the sanguine, they do not make friends easily. They seldom push themselves forward to meet people, but rather let them come to them. They are perhaps the most dependable of all the temperaments, for their perfectionist and conscientious tendencies do not permit th to be a shirker or let others down when they are counting on them. Their reticence to put themselves forward are often taken as indications that they don’t enjoy people. Like the rest of us, they not only likesl others but have strong desire to be loved by them but find it difficult to express their true feelings. Disappointing experiences make them reluctant to take people at face value; thus they are prone to be suspicious when others seek them out or shower them with attention.
Their exceptional analytical ability causes them to diagnose accurately the obstacles and dangers of any project they have a part in planning. This is in sharp contrast to the cholerics, who rarely anticipate problems or difficulties, but are confident they can cope with whatever crises may arise. Such characteristics often finds the melancholies reticent to initiate some new project or in conflict with those who wish to do so. Occasionally, in a mood of emotional ecstasy or inspiration, they may produce some great work of art or genius. But these accomplishments are often followed by periods of great depression.
PHILIP and AISHA the Melancholies usually find their greatest meaning in life through personal sacrifice. They seem desirous of making themselves suffer, and they will often choose a difficult life vocation involving great personal sacrifice. But once they are chosen, they are prone to be very thorough and persistent in their pursuits of it and more than likely they will accomplish great good if their natural tendency to gripe throughout the sacrificial process doesn’t get them so depressed that they give up on them altogether. No temperament has so much natural potential when energized by the Holy Spirit as the Melancholies.
MEET DEJI and SOLA the PHLEGMATICs
DEJI and SOLA the Phlegmatics are the calm, easygoing, never-get-upset individual with such high boiling point that they almost never become angry. They are the easiest types of people to get along with and are by nature the most likeable of all the temperaments.
DEJI and SOLA the Phlegmatics derive their name from what Hippocrates thought was the body fluid that produced that “calm, cool, slow, well-balanced temperament.” Life for them are happy, unexcited, pleasant experience in which their avoid as much involvement as possible. They are so calm and unruffled that they never seem agitated, no matter what circumstances surround them.
They are the one temperament type that are consistent every time you see them. Beneath their cool, reticent, almost timid personality, DEJI and SOLA the Phlegmatics have very capable combination of abilities. They feel more emotion than appears on the surface and appreciates the fine arts and the beautiful things of life. Usually they avoid violence.
The phlegmatics do not lack for friends, because they enjoy people and have natural, dry sense of humor. They are the type of individuals who can have a crowd of people “in stitches,” yet never cracks smiles. Possessing the unique capabilities for seeing somethings humorous in others and the things they do, they maintain positive approach to life. They have good, retentive mind and are capable of being fine imitators.
DEJI and SOLA the Phlegmatics tend to be spectators in life and they try not to get very involved with the activities of others. In fact, it is usually with great reluctance that they are ever motivated to any form of activity beyond their daily routine. This does not mean, however, that they cannot appreciate the need for action and the predicaments of others. They and they Cholerics may confront the same social injustice, but their responses will be entirely different. The crusading spirit of the cholerics will cause them to explain, “Let’s get a committee organized and campaign to do something about this!” The phlegmatics would likely respond, “These conditions are terrible! Why doesn’t someone do something about them?” Usually kindhearted and sympathetic, DEJI and SOLA the Phlegmatic seldom convey their true feelings. When once aroused to action, however, their capable and efficient qualities become apparent. They will not volunteer to leadership on their own, but when it is forced upon them, they prove to be very capable leaders. They have conciliating effect on others and are natural peacemakers.
Now that you have been briefly introduced to the four basic temperaments you should study the above chart, which includes ten strengths and ten weaknesses for each temperament.
SUMMARY: WHICH ARE YOU?
There you have it! We have presented the centuries-old theory of the four basic temperaments. I say basic because no one is 100 percent sanguine, choleric, melancholy, or phlegmatic. We are all a combination of at least two and perhaps three temperaments (more on that intriguing subject later).
However, your predominant or basic temperament, the one that influences you the most, should not be too difficult to diagnose. Just ask yourself a few questions while looking at the following illustrations.
1. Are you an extrovert? If so, you are predominantly
sanguine or choleric.
2. If “yes” to 1, ask yourself, “Do I lean toward being a superextrovert?” That is, are you generally the first to speak? If so, you are a sanguine.
3. If “yes” to 1, ask yourself if you are a good salesman type. If so, you are predominantly sanguine.
4. If “yes” to 1, but “no” to 2 and 3, ask, “Am I a ‘strong natural leader?’” If so, you are probably a choleric.
5. If you answered “no” to 1—that is, you are not an extrovert—then ask yourself, “Am I a perfectionist, analytical, and somewhat critical?” If so, you are probably predominantly melancholy.
6. If you answered “no” to 1, ask yourself if you are known by others as “very quiet.” Do you rarely get angry but experience many fears and worries? If so, you are probably phlegmatic.
This, of course, is an oversimplified test, and it only considers your predominant temperament. But it will help you even at this point to have a strong indication of which temperament you are. As we progress you will find more confirmation of what your basic temperament is, or you may find that learning more details about the various temperaments will reveal that your first selection is really your secondary temperament But that usually happens only when a person is balanced between his primary and secondary temperaments.
More thorough temperament testing will be given later, but first you need to know more about this fascinating subject.
PEOPLE ARE DIFFERENT
Now that you have met the four temperaments, you no doubt realize why “people are individuals.” Not only are there four distinct types of temperaments that produce these differences, but the combinations, mixtures, and degrees of temperament multiply the possible differences. In spite of that, however, most people reveal a pattern of behavior that indicates they lean toward one predominant temperament
The Twelve Blend of Temperaments
The chief objection to the theory of the four temperaments as advocated by the ancients is that it was overly simplistic in assuming every person could be characterized by only one of the four temperaments. We are all a blend of at least two temperaments; one predominates, the other is secondary. In an attempt to make the temperament theory more practical and true to life, we shall briefly examine twelve possible blends of temperament. In all probability, it will be easier for you to identify yourself in one of the blends than in one of the four basics.
A Variety of Blends
Essentially, each person is capable of possessing twenty strengths and twenty weaknesses to one degree or another (ten for the predominant and ten for the secondary temperament). Some of them, as we shall see, cancel each other out, some reinforce each other, and some accentuate and compound others, accounting for the varieties of behavior, prejudices, and natural skills of people with the same predominant temperament but with different secondary temperaments. This will become clearer as you study the following twelve blends of temperament.
THE SANCHLOR – Christopher and Gloria
The strongest extrovert of all the blends of temperaments will be the SanChlor, for the two temperament that make up their nature are both extroverted. The happy charisma of the sanguine makes them people-oriented, enthusiastic, salesman type; but the choleric side of their nature will provide them the necessary resolution and character traits that will fashion a somewhat more organized and productive individual than if they were pure sanguine. Almost any people-oriented field is open to them, but to sustain their interest it must offer variety, activity, and excitement.
The potential weaknesses of SANCHLOR – Christopher and Gloria are usually apparent to everyone because they are such external person. They customarily talk too much, thus exposing themselves and their weaknesses for all to see. They are highly opinionated. Consequently, they expresse themselves loudly even before they know all the facts. To be honest no one has more mouth trouble! If they are the life of the party, they are lovable; but if they feel threatened or insecure, they can become obnoxious.
Their leading emotional problem will be anger, which can catapult them into actions at the slightest provocation. Since they combine the easy forgetfulness of the sanguine and the stubborn casuistry of the choleric, they may not have a very active conscience.
Consequently, they tend to justify their actions. These persons, like any other temperament, needs to be filled daily with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.
Simon Peter, the self-appointed leader of the twelve apostles, is a classic example of a New Testament SanChlor. He obviously had mouth trouble, demonstrating this repeatedly by speaking up before anyone else could. He talked more in the Gospels than all the others put together—and most of what he said was wrong. He was egotistical, weak-willed, and carnal throughout the Gospels. In Acts, however, he was a remarkably transformed man—resolute, effective, and productive. What made the difference? He was filled with the Spirit.
THE SANMELs – Samson and Amina
SanMels –Samson and Amina are highly emotional people who fluctuate drastically. They can laugh hysterically one minute and burst into tears the next. It is almost impossible for them to hear a sad tale, observe a tragic plight of another person, or listen to melancholic music without weeping profusely. They genuinely feel the griefs of others.
However, SanMels reflect an uninhibited perfectionism that often alienates them from others because they verbalize their criticisms. They are usually people-oriented individuals who have sufficient substance to make a contribution to other lives—if their ego and arrogance don’t make them so obnoxious that others become hostile to them. One of the crucial weaknesses of this temperament blend prevails in SanMel’s thought-life. Both sanguines and melancholies are dreamers, and thus if the melancholy part of his nature suggests a negative train of thought, it can nullify a SanMel’s potential. It is easy for him to get down on himself. In addition, this person, more than most others, will have both an anger problem and a tendency toward fear. Both temperaments in his makeup suffer with an insecurity problem; not uncommonly, he is fearful to utilize his potential. Being admired by others is so important to him that it will drive him to a consistent level of performance. He has a great ability to commune with God, and if he walks in the Spirit he will make an effective servant of Christ.
King David is a classic illustration of the SanMel temperament An extremely likable man who attracted both men and women; he was colorful, dramatic, emotional, and weakwilled. He could play a harp and sing, he clearly demonstrated a poetic instinct in his Psalms, and he made decisions on impulse. Unfortunately, like many SanMels, he fouled up his life by a series of disastrous and costly mistakes before he gained enough self-discipline to finish out his destiny. All San Mels, of course, are not able to pick up the pieces of their lives and start over as David did. It is far better for them to walk in the Spirit daily and avoid such mistakes.
THE SANPHLEGs – Stephen and Busola
The easiest person to like is a SanPhlegs – Stephen and Busola. The overpowering and obnoxious tendencies of a sanguine are offset by the gracious, easygoing phlegmatic. SanPhlegs are extremely happy people whose carefree spirit and good humor make them lighthearted entertainers sought after by others. Helping people is their regular business, along with sales of various kinds. They are the least extroverted of any of the sanguines and are often regulated by their environment and circumstances rather than being self-motivated. SanPhlegs are naturally pro-family and preserve the love of their children—and everyone else for that matter. They would not purposely hurt anyone.
The SanPhleg’s greatest weaknesses are lack of motivation and discipline. He would rather socialize than work, and he tends to take life too casually. As an executive remarked about one, “He is the nicest guy I ever fired.” He rarely gets upset over anything and tends to find the bright side of everything. He usually has an endless repertoire of jokes and delights in making others laugh, often when the occasion calls for seriousness. When Jesus Christ becomes the chief object of his love, he is transformed into a more resolute, purposeful, and productive person.
The first-century evangelist Apollos is about as close as we can come to a New Testament illustration of the SanPhleg. A skilled orator who succeeded Paul and others who had founded the churches, he did the work of stirring the churches with his Spiritfilled preaching and teaching. Loved by all, followed devotedly by some, this pleasant and dedicated man apparently traveled a great deal but did not found new works.
THE CHLORSAN – Damilola and Bunmi
The second-strongest extrovert among the blends of temperament will be the reverse of the first—the ChlorSan. Damilola and Bunmi’s lives are given over completely to activity. Most of their efforts are productive and purposeful, but watch their recreation —it is so activity-prone that it borders on being violent. They are natural promoters and salesmen/women, with enough charisma to get along well with others. Certainly the best motivator of people and one who thrives on a challenge, they are almost fearless and exhibits boundless energy. Their wives or husband will often comment, “He or she haslve only two speeds: wide open and stop.” Mr. Or Mrs. ChlorSan ate the courtroom attorney who can charm the coldest hearted judge and jury, the fund-raiser who can get people to contribute what they intended to save, the man or woman who never goes anywhere unnoticed, the preacher who combines both practical Bible teaching and church administration, and the politician who talks his state into changing its constitution so he can represent them one more time. A convincing debater, what he or she lacks in facts or arguments he makes up in bluff or bravado. As a teacher, he or she is an excellent communicator, particularly in the social sciences; rarely is he or she drawn to math, science, or the abstract Whatever their professional occupation, their brains are always in motion.
The weaknesses of Damilola and Bunmi , the chief of which is hostility, are as broad as their talents. They combine their quick, explosive anger of the sanguine (without the forgiveness) and the longburning resentment of the choleric. They are the one personality type who not only gets ulcers themselves but gives them to others. Impatient with those who do not share their motivation and energy, they pride themselves on being brutally frank (some call it sarcastically frank). It is difficult for them to concentrate on one thing very long, which is why they often enlists others to finish what they have started. They are opinionated, prejudiced, impetuous, and inclined doggedly to finish a project they probably should not have started in the first place. If not controlled by God, they are apt to justify anything they do—and rarely hesitates to manipulate or walk over other people to accomplish their ends. Most ChlorSans get so engrossed in their work that they neglect wife and family, even lashing out at them if they complain. Once they comprehend the importance of giving love and approval to their family, however, they can transform their entire household.
James, the author of the biblical book that bears his name, could well have been a ChlorSan—at least his book sounds like it The main thrust of the book declares that “faith without works is dead”—a favored concept of work-loving cholerics.
He used the practical and logical reasoning of a choleric, yet was obviously a highly esteemed man of God. One human weakness he discusses—the fire of the tongue and how no man can control it (James 3)—relates directly to this temperament’s most vulnerable characteristic, for we all know the ChlorSans feature a razor-sharp, active tongue. His victory and evident productiveness in the cause of Christ is a significant example to any thoughtful ChlorSan.
THE CHLORMEL – Ameh and Ojochide
The choleric/melancholy is an extremely industrious and capable person. The optimism and practicality of the choleric overcome the tendency toward moodiness of the melancholy, making the ChlorMel both goal-oriented and detailed. Such a person usually does well in school, possesses a quick, analytical mind, yet is decisive. He develops into a thorough leader, the kind whom one can always count on to do an extraordinary job. Never take him on in a debate unless you are assured of your facts, for he will make mincemeat of you, combining verbal aggressiveness and attendance to detail. This man or woman are extremely competitive and forceful in all that they do. They are dogged researchers and are usually successful, no matter what kind of business they pursue. This temperament probably makes the best natural leader.
Equally as great as Damilola and Bunmi strengths are their weaknesses. They are apt to be autocratic, dictators type who inspires admiration and hate simultaneously. They are usually quick-witted talkers whose sarcasm can devastate others. They are natural-born crusader whose work habits are irregular and long. A ChlorMel harbors considerable hostility and resentment, and unless he enjoys a good love relationship with his parents, he will find interpersonal relationships difficult, particularly with his family. No man is more apt to be an overly strict disciplinarian than the ChlorMel father. He combines the hard-to-please tendency of the choleric and the perfectionism of the melancholy. When controlled by the Holy Spirit, however, his entire emotional life is transformed and he makes an outstanding Christian.
There is little doubt in my mind that the Apostle Paul was a ChlorMel. Before his conversion he was hostile and cruel, for the Scripture teaches that he spent his time persecuting and jailing Christians. Even after his conversion, his strong-willed determination turned to unreasonable bullheadedness, as when he went up to Jerusalem against the will and warning of God. His writings and ministry demonstrate the combination of the practical-analytical reasoning and the self-sacrificing but extremely driving nature of a ChlorMel. He is a good example of God’s transforming power in the life of a ChlorMel who is completely dedicated to God’s will.
THE CHLORPHLEG – Emeka and Ngozi
The most subdued of all the extrovert temperaments is the ChlorPhleg, a happy blend of the quick, active, and hot with the calm, cool, and unexcited. He is not as apt to rush into things as quickly as the preceding extroverts because he is more deliberate and subdued. He is extremely capable in the long run, although he does not particularly impress you that way at first He is a very organized person who combines planning and hard work. People usually enjoy working with and for him because he knows where he is going and has charted his course, yet is not unduly severe with people. He has the ability to help others make the best use of their skills and rarely offends people or makes them feel used. The ChlorPhleg’s slogan on organization states: “Anything that needs to be done can be done better if it’s organized.” These men are usually good husbands and fathers as well as excellent administrators in almost any field.
In spite of his obvious capabilities, the ChlorPhleg is not without a notable set of weaknesses. Although not as addicted to the quick anger of some temperaments, he is known to harbor resentment and bitterness. Some of the cutting edge of the choleric’s sarcasm is here offset by the gracious spirit of the phlegmatic; so instead of uttering cutting and cruel remarks, his barbs are more apt to emerge as cleverly disguised humor. One is never quite sure whether he is kidding or ridiculing, depending on his mood No one can be more bullheadedly stubborn than a ChlorPhleg, and it is very difficult for him to change his mind once it is committed. Repentance or the acknowledgment of a mistake is not at all easy for him. Consequently, he will be more apt to make it up to those he has wronged without really facing his mistake. The worrisome traits of the phlegmatic side of his nature may so curtail his adventurous tendencies that he never quite measures up to his capabilities.
Titus, the spiritual son of the Apostle Paul and leader of the hundred or so churches on the Isle of Crete, may well have been a ChlorPhleg. When filled with the Spirit he was the kind of man on whom Paul could depend to faithfully teach the Word to the churches and administrate them capably for the glory of God. The book which Paul wrote to him makes ideal reading for any teacher, particularly a ChlorPhleg.
Now we turn to the predominantly introverted temperaments. Each will look somewhat similar to one we have already examined, except that the two temperaments making up their nature will be reversed in intensity. Such variation accounts for the exciting individuality in human beings.
THE MELSAN – Charles and Fatima
THE MELSAN – Charles and Fatima are usually very gifted people, fully capable of being musicians who can steal the heart of an audience. As artists, they not only draw or paint beautifully but can sell their own works —if they in the right mood. It is not uncommon to encounter them in the field of education, for they make good scholar and probably the best of all classroom teachers, particularly on the high school and college level. The melancholy in them will ferret out little-known facts and be exacting in the use of events and detail, while the sanguine will enable them to communicate well with students.
THE MELSAN – Charles and Fatima show interesting combination of mood swings. Be sure of this: they are emotional creatures! When circumstances are pleasing to them, they can reflect fantastically happy mood. But if things work out badly or they are rejected, insulted, or injured, they drop into such moods that their lesser sanguine nature drowns in the resultant sea of self-pity. They are easily moved to tears, feels everything deeply, but can be unreasonably critical and hard on others. They tend to be rigid and usually will not cooperate unless things go their way, which are often idealistic and impractical. They are often fearful, insecure people with poor self-image which limits them unnecessarily.
Many of the prophets were MelSans—John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, and others. They had a tremendous capacity to commune with God, were self-sacrificing people-helpers who had enough charisma to attract a following, tended to be legalistic in their teachings and calls to repentance, exhibited a flair for the dramatic, and willingly died for their principles.
THE MELCHLOR – Adejoh and Memuma
The mood swings of the melancholies are usually stabilized by the MelChlor’s self-will and determination. There is almost nothing vocationally which this group cannot do—and do well. They are both perfectionist and driver. They possesses strong leadership capabilities. Almost any craft, construction, or educational level is open to them. Unlike the MelSan, they may found their own institution or business and run it capably—not with noise and color but with efficiency. Many a great orchestra leader and choral conductor are MelChlor.
The natural weaknesses of MelChlors reveal themselves in the mind, emotions, and mouth. They are extremely difficult people to please, rarely satisfying even themselves. Once they start thinking negatively about something or someone (including themselves), they can be intolerable to live with.
Their mood follows their thought process. Although they do not retain a depressed mood as long as the other blends of the melancholy, they can lapse into it more quickly. The two basic temperaments haunted by self-persecution, hostility, and criticism are the melancholy and the choleric. It is not uncommon for them to get angry at God as well as their fellowmen and women, and if such thoughts persist long enough they may become manic-depressive. In extreme cases, they can become sadistic. When confronted with their vile thinking pattern and angry, bitter spirit, they can be expected to explode.
Their penchant for detailed analysis and perfection tends to make them a nitpicker who drives others up the wall. Unless they are filled with God’s Spirit or can maintain positive frame of mind, they are not enjoyable company for long periods of time. No one is more painfully aware of this than their wives and children. They not only “emotes” disapproval, but feels compelled to castigate them verbally for their failures and to correct their mistakes—in public as well as in private. These persons, by nature, desperately needs the love of God in their hearts, and their familiee needs them to share it with them.
Many of the great men of the Bible show signs of a MelChlor temperament Two that come to mind are Paul’s tireless traveling companion, Dr. Luke, the painstaking scholar who carefully researched the life of Christ and left the church the most detailed account of our Lord’s life, as well as the only record of the spread of the early church, and Moses, the great leader of Israel. Like many MelChlors, the latter never gained victory over his hostility and bitterness. Consequently, he died before his time. Like Moses, who wasted forty years on the backside of the desert, harboring bitterness and animosity before surrendering his life to God, many a MelChlor never lives up to his amazing potential because of the spirit of anger and revenge.
THE MELPHLEG – Andy and Dianne
Some of the greatest scholars the world has ever known have been MelPhlegs. They are not nearly as prone to hostility as the two previous melancholies and usually get along well with others. These gifted introverts combine the analytical perfectionism of the melancholy with the organized efficiency of the phlegmatic. They are usually good-natured humanitarians who prefer a quiet, solitary environment for study and research to the endless rounds of activities sought by the more extroverted temperaments. MelPhlegs are usually excellent spellers and good mathematicians. These gifted people have greatly benefited humanity. Most of the world’s significant inventions and medical discoveries have been made by MelPhlegs.
Despite their abilities, the MelPhleg, like the rest of us, have their own potential weaknesses. Unless controlled by God, they easily become discouraged and develop very negative thinking patterns. But once they realize it is sin to develop the spirit of criticism and learns to rejoice, their entire outlook on life can be transformed. Ordinarily quiet people, they are capable of inner angers and hostility caused by their tendency to be vengeful. MelPhlegs are unusually vulnerable to fear, anxiety, and a negative self-image. It has always amazed me that the people with the greatest talents and capabilities are often victimized by genuine feelings of poor self-worth. Their strong tendency to be conscientious allows them to let others pressure them into making commitments that drain their energy and creativity. When filled with God’s Spirit, these people are loved and admired by their family because their personal self-discipline and dedication are exemplary in the home. But humanitarian concerns can cause them to neglect their family. Unless they learn to pace themselves and enjoy diversions that help them relax, they often become early mortality statistics.
The most likely candidate for a MelPhleg in the Bible is the beloved Apostle John. He obviously had a very sensitive nature, for as a youth he laid his head on Jesus’ breast at the Lord’s Supper. On one occasion he became so angry at some people that he asked the Lord Jesus to call fire from heaven down on them. Yet at the crucifixion he was the lone disciple who devotedly stood at the cross. John was the one to whom the dying Jesus entrusted his mother. Later the disciple became a great church leader and left us five books in the New Testament, two of which (the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation) particularly glorify Jesus Christ.
THE PHLEGSAN – Chiela and Rudolph
The easiest of the twelve temperament blends to get along with over a protracted period of time is the PhlegSan. They are congenial, happy, cooperative, thoughtful, people-oriented, diplomatic, dependable, fun-loving, and humorous. Favorite with children and adults, they never display abrasive personality. Usually good family man or woman who enjoy quiet life. Ordinarily they attend church where the pastor is a good motivator, there they probably take active roles.
The weaknesses of a PhlegSan are as gentle as their personalities —unless you have to live with them all the time. Since they inherited the lack of motivation of a phlegmatic and the lack of discipline of a sanguine, it is not uncommon for the PhlegSan to fall far short of their true capabilities. They often quits school, passes up good opportunities, and avoids anything that involves “too much effort” Fear is another problem that accentuates their unrealistic feelings of insecurity. With more faith, they could grow beyond timidity and self-defeating anxieties. However, they prefer to build self-protective shell around themselves and selfishly avoids the kind of involvement or commitment to activity that they need and that would be a rich blessing to their partners and children. I have tremendous respect for the potential of these happy, contented people, but they must cooperate by letting God motivate them to unselfish activity.
The man in the Scripture that reminds me most of the PhlegSan is gentle, faithful, good-natured Timothy, the favorite spiritual son of the Apostle Paul. He was dependable and steady but timid and fearful. Repeatedly, Paul had to urge him to be more aggressive and to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Tim. 4:5).
THE PHLEGCHLOR – China and Amaka
The most active of all phlegmatics is the PhlegChlor. But it must be remembered that since they are predominantly phlegmatics, they will never be ball of fire. Like their brother phlegmatics, they are easy to get along with and may become an excellent group leader. The phlegmatic have the potential to become good counselors, for they are excellent listeners, does not interrupt the client with stories about themselves, and are genuinely interested in other people. Although the PhlegChlor rarely offer their services to others, when they come to their organized office where they exercise control, the first-rate professional. Their advice will be practical, helpful, and—if they are Bible-taught Christians —quite trustworthy. Their gentle spirit never makes people feel threatened. They always do the right thing, but rarely go beyond the norm.
The weaknesses of the PhlegChlor are not readily apparent but gradually come to the surface, especially in the home. In addition to the lack of motivation and the fear problems of the other phlegmatics, they can be determinedly stubborn and unyielding. They don’t blow up at others, but simply refuses to give in or cooperate. They are not fighters by nature, but often lets their inner anger and stubbornness reflect itself in silence. The PhlegChlor often retreats to their “workshop” alone or nightly immerses their mind in TV. The older they get, the more they selfishly indulges their sedentary tendency and become increasingly passive. Although they will probably live a long and peaceful life, if they indulge these passive feelings it is a boring life—not only for them, but also for their family. They need to give themselves to the concerns and needs of his family.
No man in the Bible epitomizes the PhlegChlor better than Abraham in the Old Testament Fear characterized everything he did in the early days. For instance, he was reluctant to leave the security of the pagan city of Ur when God first called him; he even denied his wife on two occasions and tried to palm her off as his sister because of fear. Finally, he surrendered completely to God and grew in the spirit. Accordingly, his greatest weakness became his greatest strength. Today, instead of being known as fearful Abraham, he has the reputation of being the man who “believed in the Lord; and he counted it unto him for righteousness.”
THE PHLEGMEL – Amber and Josephine
Of all the temperament blends, the PhlegMel is the most gracious, gentle, and quiet they are rarely angry or hostile and almost never says anything for which they must apologize (mainly because they rarely say much). They never embarrass themselves or others, always do the proper thing, dresses simply, are dependable and exact. They tend to have the spiritual gifts of mercy and help, and they are neat and organized in their working habits. Like any phlegmatic, they are handy around the house and as energy permits will keep their home in good repair. If they have a wife or a husband who recognizes their tendencies toward passivity (but tactfully waits for them to take the lead in their home), they will have a good family life and marriage. However, if they resents their reticence to lead and be aggressive, they may become discontented and foment marital strife. They may neglect the discipline necessary to help prepare theirchildren for a productive, self-disciplined life and so “provoke their children to wrath” just as much as the angry tyrant whose unreasonable discipline makes them bitter.
The other weaknesses of this man or woman revolve around fear, selfishness, negativism, criticism, and lack of self-image. Once a PhlegMel realizes that only their fears and negative feelings about themselves keep them from succeeding, they are able to come out of their shell and become effective people, husband, wife, and father or mother. Most PhlegMels are so afraid of over-extending themselves or getting over-involved that they automatically refuse almost any kind of affiliation.
Personally I have never seen a PhlegMel over-involved in anything—except in keeping from getting over-involved. They must recognize that since they are not internally motivated, they definitely need to accept more responsibility than they think they can fulfill, for that external stimulation will motivate them to greater achievement All phlegmatics work well under pressure, but it must come from outside. Their greatest source of motivation, of course, will be the power of the Holy Spirit.
Barnabas, the godly saint of the first-century church who accompanied the Apostle Paul on his first missionary journey, was in all probability a PhlegMel. He was the man who gave half his goods to the early church to feed the poor, the man who contended with Paul over providing John Mark (his nephew) another chance to serve God by accompanying them on the second missionary journey. Although the contention became so sharp that Barnabas took his nephew and they proceeded on their journey by themselves, Paul later commended Mark, saying, “He is profitable to me for the ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11). Today we have the Gospel of Mark because faithful, dedicated, and gentle Barnabas was willing to help him over a hard place in his life. PhlegMels respond to the needs of others if they will just let themselves move out into the stream of life and work with people where they are.
ADDITIONAL VARIABLES TO CONSIDER
With twelve temperament blends to choose from, it should be easier for you to identify with one of them than it was when only the four basic temperaments were presented. Don’t be discouraged, however, if you find that you don’t quite fit into any one of the twelve either. No two human beings are exactly alike. Consequently, other variables could alter the picture sufficiently so that you will not fit any model precisely. Consider the following:
1. Your percentages may be different from the 60/40 I arbitrarily chose as a basis for this section. I think you will agree that it would be nearly impossible to detail all the conceivable mixtures of temperament I leave that to the reader.
For example, a MelChlor of 60/40 will be significantly different from an 80/20 MelChlor. Or consider the disparity between a 55/45 SanPhleg and an 85/ 15 SanPhleg. Only detailed scientific testing can establish an accurate diagnosis.
2. Different backgrounds and childhood training alter the expressions of identical temperament blends. For example, a SanPhleg raised by loving but firm parents will be much more disciplined than one raised by permissive parents. A MelPhleg brought up by cruel, hateful parents will be drastically different from one raised by tender, understanding parents. Both will share the same strengths and talents, but one may be overcome with hostility, depression, and self-persecution, so that he will never use his strengths. Although upbringing wields a powerful influence on the child, it is all but impossible to assess a wide variety of backgrounds in such a temperament analysis as this. I can only suggest that if the reader cannot identify his temperament blend readily, he will consider this variable.
3. You may not be objective when looking at yourself. Therefore, you may wish to discuss your temperament with loved ones and friends. All of us tend to view ourselves through rose-colored glasses. To paraphrase the yearning of the poet Robert Burns: “Oh, to see ourselves as others see us.”
4. Education and IQ will often influence the appraisal of a person’s temperament For example, a MelSan with a very high IQ will appear somewhat different from one who is average or lower in intelligence. An uneducated person takes longer to mature than an educated man, as a rule, because it may take much longer to excel at something and thus “find himself.” By “educated” I include the trades. It is not uncommon for a man who learns a skill (such as plastering, plumbing, and so on) to be more outgoing, confident, and expressive than he would be otherwise. Even so, if you carefully study the strengths and weaknesses of people of a particular temperament blend, you will find, in spite of the IQ, education, or experience levels, they will be basically similar in their strengths and weaknesses.
5. Health and metabolism are important A ChlorPhleg in top physical condition will be more aggressive than one with a faulty thyroid gland or other physical ailment A nervous PhlegMel will also be more active than one who is suffering from low blood pressure. Recently I worked with a hyperactive SanChlor minister who is a charming, super-aggressive charger who made me tired just being around him. He was too powerful even to be a SanChlor. It didn’t come as a surprise to learn that he had high blood pressure, which often produces the “hyper” dimension to any temperament.
6. Three temperaments are sometimes represented in one individual. In doing the research for my temperament test, I discovered a small percentage of people who have one predominant temperament with two secondary temperaments.
7. Motivation is the name of the game! “Out of [the heart] are the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23). If a person is properly motivated, it will have a marked impact on his behavior regardless of his temperament blend. Actually, that is why I have written this book—so people who are improperly motivated at present will experience the power of God to completely transform their behavior. I have heard testimonies that this has happened to thousands as a result of reading my other books on temperament or attending my lectures on the subject I trust God will use this book with its greater detail and suggestions to help an even greater number of people.
8. The Spirit-controlled life is a behavior modifier. Mature Christians whose temperament has been modified by the Holy Spirit often find it difficult to analyze their temperamental makeup because they make the mistake of examining the temperament theory in light of their present behavior. Temperament is based on the natural man; there is nothing spiritual about it That is why we find it so much easier to diagnose and classify an unsaved person or a carnal Christian than a dedicated, mature Christian. Because such a person has already had many of his natural weaknesses strengthened, it is difficult to assess his temperament He should either concentrate only on his strengths or consider his behavior before he became a Spirit-controlled believer.
TEMPERAMENT THEORY—A USEFUL TOOL
The temperament theory is not the final answer to human behavior, and for these and other reasons it may not prove satisfactory to everyone. But of all behavior theories ever devised, it has served as the most helpful explanation. Additional factors could be included to explain some of the other differences in people, but these will suffice. If you keep them in mind, you will probably find that you and those you try to help in life fall into one of the twelve blends we have we have studied. Now a question arises: What can be done about it?
Hello Friends, I was to attach this test link yesterday as a vital tool on relationship. Here it is..
https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test
And this specific for marriage couples or those who want to get involved https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/personality-temperament/
this test will help you find the right match, help improve current relationships and guide you as you make relationship choices.
Help you find your strength and weaknesses and how to improve. Most of all, I will urge you to rely heavily on the Holy Spirit and word, the most authoritative transformative script by the Spirit leading. He is right there, willing, and available to help along your pilgrimage journey here on earth. Remember, we all wired for relationships – We all need each other one way or another, at some point. Don’t burn the bridges.
We will explore this question of what can be done about 12 blends in Episode 3 under the title, “Evaluating Your Strengths and Weaknesses”
I hope you have picked you a key or two from our title today, “Understanding Your Temperament and that of others Episode 2 – Your Temperament and How it Impacts Your Relationships – Welcome to Human Engineering – 4 Basic and 12 Blends of Temperaments”
Until next week when we bring you the next episode 3 on evaluating your strength and weaknesses, have a wonderful weekend in Him
Shalom!
Ambassador Monday Oreojo Ogwuojo OGBE
God’s Eagle Ministries
Where we are seeding the nations with God’s word and God is transforming lives through His timeless TRUTH – We are one in Christ Jesus, let’s stay one!