In 1966-1967 I was a first lieutenant and junior aide to the Major General commanding the Second Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas. My introduction to personalities was when the general described one of our brigade commanders as a "phlegmatic." For some reason that word stuck with me. At the time it did not make much sense to me. Webster's 1828 original dictionary describes a phlegmatic as "...not easily excited into action or passion; as a phlegmatic temper or temperament."
Fast forward to 1986 and a book by Florence Littauer Your Personality Tree. She captivated me with that book and how she wrote about "Discovering the real you by uncovering the roots of your personality tree." The study of the four major personality traits undergoes an understanding of who I really am or what I have learned to be, sometimes to impress others. Littauer asks a key question; "Am I not clear as to what parts of my personality are genuine or what traits are responses to the adversities of life?" In my opinion the study and analysis of what are real or acquired traits of personalities (Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholy or Phlegmatic) will go a long distance to assist us in emotional balance, true happiness and satisfaction. It relates to personal interactions, life's pursuits for employment and direction and emotional balance. Sometimes we are a blend of more than one with one trait being predominant.
Who you really are may go a long way to your pathway in life professionally and personally, but also to how God is able to utilize you in his world to serve his purposes, if you are willing. Littauer wrote (p. 19), "...God knows us and he wants us to understand ourselves-not to be worried, confused or depressed. He has made each one of us as a unique individual , and he uses our talents, personalities and gifts for his own good purpose." Recall how he used Joseph "...to save an entire nation and his own family." He used Esther "...to save the exiled Jewish race and her own family also." Stay tuned for future messages that relate to why the Jews had become exiled.
Are we ready for a basic class on major personality traits so you can begin to see where you fit in? Here are Littauer's very simple and basic definitions. This is a starting point. "The Sanguine from the beginning wants to have FUN....The Choleric wants to have CONTROL....The Melancholy's desire is to have PERFECTION....The Phlegmatic's aim in life is to stay out of trouble and keep PEACE." Parts in a school play add additional insight into where different personalities might participate. Sanguines would want to be the star. Cholerics would want to direct. Melancholics would desire to work backstage. The Phlegmatics would not care whether there were a play or not!
There are specific charts to explore your personality traits many of which relate to your DNA. Perhaps, if you desire to be different, you might ask the Holy Spirit to help you change and specifically assist you in countering the principalities that may control and influence you negatively now. See Avalon #s 130 and 131. Where would you be if you were cast in the Master Play of Life overseen by God?
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