Over 50 years ago, Tim LaHaye published
Spirit-Controlled Temperament (which I highly
recommend). In it, he outlines four basic
temperaments: warm and fun-loving (sanguine);
hot, active, strong-willed (choleric); analytical,
gifted, sensitive (melancholy); calm, cool,
easygoing, well-balanced (phlegmatic). The
identification of these four basic temperaments is
nothing new. In fact, as LaHaye states, these four
were already recognized well before the time of
Christ (Hippocrates). Also, the fact that these are
part of our basic makeup is long established. Our
basic temperament is part of our DNA. Thus,
when it comes to our fundamental disposition, we
are what we are. We cannot change it.
But, the Spirit of God can. More importantly,
the Spirit of God does change people, and in
ways that go beyond simply how we think about
spiritual things and the spiritual world. Being
imbued with the Holy Spirit means we are
equipped to overcome the flaws inherent in our
character.
Most often, the faults in our nature reveal
themselves in words. As a wise person once
quipped, “If you want to know the character of a
man, don’t listen to what others say about him.
Rather, pay attention to what he says about
others.” The way in which we speak to and about
others is evidence of the presence or absence of
the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is true that our
particular temperament may be one that leads us
to consistently “speak our minds,” whatever the
cost may be. Yet, the Holy Spirit is greater than
our minds—it can and will change us, if we allow
it.
Words mean things. They are powerful. Our
speech should always be shaped by the Word that
God has given us. Our character must be
conditioned by the holy words of our perfect God.
There is too much at stake.
–Ricky
