Years ago Tim LaHaye’s book “Spirit Controlled Temperament” sat on everyone’s book shelf. Dr. LaHaye described in plain language how most people primarily fall into four personality categories: melancholy, phlegmatic, sanguine, and choleric. The information shed light on why we behave as we do.
I immediately saw myself in the melancholy classification and my husband undeniably is choleric. Melancholies are emotional, tending to be suspicious, critical and pessimistic. Even after becoming a Christian, I’ve struggled to find the joy of the Lord in my life and remain positive instead of being sad or depressed. It’s frustrating not to be able to remember the Lord’s blessings and the marvelous future we have. I tend to be too hard on myself when my attitude isn’t perfect.
Recently I got a little help from the Bible. 1 Corinthians 2:16 says “We have the mind of Christ.” I don’t have to be controlled by my fleshly nature – especially the negative characteristics of being a melancholy. I can allow Jesus to be in charge of my thinking and shine when it comes to the positive sides of my personality – loyalty, creativity, and orderliness.
Colossians 3:10 reminds me that I have a new self which is being renewed in the image of the Creator. My melancholy nature doesn’t rule, the Lord does.
Melissa, the same thing happened to me. I reminded myself that God is in control of my life and that’s something worth smiling about.