It was Hippocrates, five centuries before Christ, who is thought to have turned the basic theory of temperament into a medical theory so the names of the four temperaments actually stem from various internal fluids around the liver, heart, lungs and kidneys. The temperaments are a key to unlocking the mystery of ourselves.
The aphorism “know thyself” was inscribed on the forecourt of the temple of Apollo at Delphi in Ancient Greece. It was and still is a reminder that without knowing who we are we have little hope of really truly knowing much else. The temperaments certainly provide us with a place to begin that study
Our inborn temperament in placed within us by God while we are in our mother’s womb. This temperament will remain with us throughout our lives. How we do (or do not) express this temperament can be affected by the following:
Our upbringing (how we were raised as children)
Our environment
Our education and training By the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives
Temperament determines how we interact with our environment and the people around us. Temperament also determines our perception and understanding of ourselves and of the people who love us.
Sometimes A Mask
Sometimes a person can learn or select behavior that is very different from their inborn temperament. This mask hides the true temperament. As a result this person’s temperament needs are not met, and he/she feels stress and conflict.
Our Conflicts…
Every person is unique and has different temperament needs. When we attempt to get these needs met apart from our relationship with God, we have conflict in our lives. These conflicts are caused by:
Trying to get our needs met apart from God’s plan for our lives.Not getting certain needs met because we are spending all our energy meeting some needs while ignoring others.Reacting in a negative (angry, frustrated) way to unmet temperament needs.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Every temperament has strengths and weaknesses. The description of your temperament will include strengths and weaknesses which are usually demonstrated in someone who had your temperament profile. This does not mean that you personally show these strengths and weaknesses in your individual, unique life. It does show you some of the areas of strengths that can be encouraged as well as some areas of weaknesses that you can be aware of.
As you read or discuss your profile, it is critical to remember That this is a general diagnosis and not a specific interpretation of your life or behavior. It is valuable because it will help you discover the strengths you may develop as well as the weaknesses you may resist. It will also reveal unmet needs that can cause stress and conflict in your life and your relationships with others. It is difficult to consider possible weaknesses in our lives, but if we are open to change, understanding our weaknesses can help us resolve conflicts and improve our relationships with loved ones.
Creation Therapy Temperament Counseling. Discover the real you!