Spirit-Controlled Temperament

book review by Gretchen Glaser

Spirit-Controlled Temperament, by Tim LaHaye, examines the four basic temperaments and discusses how Christians can live Spirit-controlled lives. The Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholy, and Phlegmatic temperaments all have their strengths and weaknesses, but in Christ there is strength for every weakness! In a friendly but honest fashion, Dr. LaHaye introduces the reader to each of the temperaments, reminds us how to be filled with the Holy Spirit, shows that the root of our problems is either anger or fear, and finally shows us the modified, spirit-filled temperaments.

The Sanguine is the popular and talkative “center of attention” at every party. They are warm, caring, and enjoying—it’s easy for something to warm their heart and cause an outburst of response. They may speak before they think, but they are sincere and loving. Never at a loss for words, this extrovert is everybody’s friend—but she’ll also be the first to forget you. The Sanguine lives for the moment, and tends to go with the flow too easily. She also is quickly distracted, therefore not real reliable. But she’s so lovable that her friends tend to pass off her weaker tendencies, saying, “That’s just the way Jenny is.”

The Choleric is the no-nonsense person—practicality is her way of life. Self-sufficient, active, and hard-working, the Choleric gets it done. “I’ll do something, right or wrong,” is a phrase that characterizes her—she gets the job done, whether the results are perfect or not. The Choleric plans quickly, almost intuitively sizing up what needs to be done, then follows the plan. You won’t catch her deliberating too long over details. This dogmatic person is a born leader, very keen, and capable of responsibility. She will take a stand and stick to it, no matter what—a good and bad aspect, as she will not be influenced by what others think, but is also the least sensitive or sympathizing with others of the four temperaments. You learn to steer clear of Cathy Choleric if you want a shoulder to cry on—she’ll just diagnose your problem and give you a solution. But if you understand her personality, you’ll find her fun to be around and very capable.

The Melancholy is the analytical, systematic person, who labors over details. An extreme introvert, he is constantly analyzing self, and others. Though sometimes he can be at the height of happiness, he is more prone to the dark, gloomy, depressed moods, during which he is extremely withdrawn. Not given much to large crowds—he usually detests group gatherings—he doesn’t seek to make new acquaintances. He has a few friends, to whom he is extremely faithful. Self-sacrifice is a great pleasure for Melvin Melancholy, and he feels things intensely, though you wouldn’t always know it. He is the studious, “wizard” type, and facts roll easily off his tongue. He can hide much away in that brain of his, and would rather read or study than interact with others.

The Phlegmatic is the easy-going, happy-go-lucky guy. He’s enjoyable to be around, is always happy and gets lots of pleasure from life, but he’s quite laid-back and doesn’t get too excited about much. He has a naturally dry humor, and his wittiness keeps his companions laughing constantly. He doesn’t get ruffled about much, and is the same consistent, caring person each time you see him. He tends not to get too involved in things, and would rather sit back and watch the action—but when aroused, he is a competent and efficient worker. Fred Phlegmatic is gracious and kind to all—he loves everybody and they all love him back.

After finding our own temperament, we can become discouraged about our shortcomings—but Tim LaHaye reminds us, the Holy Spirit-filled temperament does not have weaknesses; instead it has nine strengths—the fruit of the Spirit! No matter your natural temperament, the Spirit gives us strength for every weakness! The perfect characteristics of each temperament were shown in Jesus Christ—He is our example, the One we should look to as the perfect personality. Though our natural temperament won’t be changed, when we’re filled with the Holy Spirit, our strengths will be increased and our weaknesses gone! We rely on the Holy Spirit for everything in the Christian life. When we learn to be filled with Christ, we’ll live like Him—and that’s when our temperament will be Spirit-controlled, and we’ll begin to be more like Jesus. That’s our whole goal in life—to be more like the Master, so others can see Him through us!

How can we be filled by the Holy Spirit? By examining ourselves, confessing our sins, submitting ourselves completely to God, asking to be filled with the Holy Spirit, then believing it and walking in the Spirit. Sounds simple, but it’s not. It’s a daily act of submitting ourselves to Christ and living for Him. But it is all worth it, for the Spirit-filled life is God’s will for us, and in His will, there is perfect joy and contentment.

Tim LayHaye brings out that there are two root causes for all of the problems in our lives—either anger or fear, and both are sin. Anger and bitterness have negative emotional, social, physical, financial, and spiritual effects. And not only to you, but to those around you. An angry, bitter person cannot bear fruit—their anger stifles them. Bitterness has been proven to cause many physical ailments; ulcers and stress-related ailments being the more common. Fear is lack of faith in our sovereign God. In addition to the thousands of mental and emotional collapses it causes each year, fear is a barrier in our relationship with God and our family, and produces emotional stress that causes two-thirds or more of the physical illnesses today. How important it is to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and rid our lives of anger and fear!

In conclusion, Spirit-Controlled Temperament shows the “modified” temperaments—how our natural personality looks when it’s Spirit-controlled. The change is amazing. The Spirit-filled Sanguine will show a strength of character in the self-control that she needs in her life. The Spirit-filled Choleric will be dynamic in her love, peace, gentleness, and goodness. The Spirit-filled Melancholy will have a joy and peace which will revolutionize his outlook on life. And the Spirit-filled Phlegmatic will become less stubborn, fearful, and indifferent, while becoming more open, self-controlled, and much more motivated, to make a great, personable leader for Christ.

Spirit-Controlled Temperament is a great book to read, not only for getting a handle on personality types, but for great reminders and insight on living a Spirit-filled life. I recommend the book to every Christian! I think it is so important to understand our own temperament so we can know our weaknesses and how to improve them. It is also helpful in understanding others, knowing why they do what they do, so we can love them for their differences. Our all-wise Creator made each of us different, with a specific spot on earth to fill. And when we’re living for Him, filled by the Holy Spirit, our lives will be fulfilled like He intended them to be!