Temperaments - David Mitts

Last week we spoke about boundaries of faith in the heart.

"Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life."  Pro 4:23 (NKJV)

The Hebrew word defined as issues or springs, is the word root Yatza which means exit or border.  It is where one kingdom ends and another begins.  Think of the US-Canadian border as an example.  What works in the US doesn’t work in Canada.  Each country has its own authority.  The border defines the boundary of authority, what works in each country.

In a parallel way there are boundaries in our heart where 2 kingdoms meet.  One is the kingdom of God, the other is the kingdom of self.  What defines the boundary location is faith.  When we have faith in God for a particular area of life, the boundary places us in the Kingdom of God with its power and authority.  When our faith is in ourself the boundary defines that area through the natural boundaries and power of self.

Each of these territories has its own form of wisdom:

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."  Jas 3:13-18 (NKJV)

Listen to "Temperaments"

In addition, I think there are God-given boundaries.  I think these are design criteria that fit exactly who we are.  I think as we come to know these boundaries, specifications if you will, then we can come into harmony with how we were designed as individuals and as a Body part.

There are many factors that affect our ability to listen with an open heart to the wisdom of God for our life and our destiny.  Chief among them is how we see ourselves, what is in today’s lingo called our self-image.  The term is a little weird because we don’t carry a photo inside ourselves.  No we have a set of feelings and inclinations that shape how we listen.

Part of what we want to here in the BEST sessions, is empower the true image, the true set of feelings and God-given desires.  If evil desires are at the root of sin, which robs us of our destiny, then God-given desires can be at the root of wisdom and fulfilling our destiny.

So, how do we align with God given desires?  What image on the inside empowers us and directs us.  One part of that is our temperament.  We are all born with a set of inclinations and strengths and weaknesses.  Part of fulfilling our destiny is to understand the vehicle of our temperament.

Temperament is defined as: the part of your character that affects your moods and the way you behave:

Since what we do and the mood in which we do it, is affected by our temperament, then we should strive to access and understand our temperament.

Also since we listen through our temperament based on our God designed motivations and inclinations, we also need to recognize that how we receive and give love is affected by our temperament.

In addition, how effectively we listen to others and connect with their hearts is affected.

Activation

So we are going to do a quick inventory today. A Personality inventory

Take Personal Inventory Test 

Lion

-This personality likes to lead.

The lion is good at making decisions and is very goal oriented.

They enjoy challenges, difficult assignments, and opportunity for advancement. Because lions are

thinking of the goal, they can step on people to reach it. Lions can be very aggressive and competitive.

Lions must learn not to be too bossy or to take charge in other's affairs.

Strength: Goal oriented, strong, direct

Weakness: Argumentative, too dictatorial

Limitation: Doesn't understand that directness can hurt others, hard time expressing grace

Otter

-Otters are very social creature.

Otter personalities love people. They enjoy being popular and

influencing and motivating others. Otter can sometimes be hurt when people do not like them.

Otter personalities usually have lots of friends, but not deep relationships. They love to goof off.

(They are notorious for messy rooms.)

Otters like to hurry and finish jobs. (Jobs are not often done well.)

The otter personality is like Tigger in Winnie the Pooh.

Strength: People person, open, positive

Weakness: Talks too much, too permissive

Limitation: Remembering past commitments, follow through with discipline

Golden Retriever

-Good at making friends. Very loyal.

Retriever personalities do not like big changes. They look for security. Can be very sensitive.

Very caring. Has deep relationships, but usually only a couple of close friends.

Wants to be loved by everyone. Looks for appreciation. Works best in a limited situation with a steady work pattern.

Strength: Accommodating, calm, affirming

Weakness: Indecisive, indifferent, unable to express emotional, too soft on other people

Limitation: Seeing the need to be more assertive, holding others accountable

Beaver

-Organized

Beavers think that there is a right way to do everything and they want to do it exact that way.

Beaver personalities are very creative.

They desire to solve everything.

Desire to take their time and do it right. Beavers do not like sudden changes. They need reassurance.

Strength: High standards, order, respect

Weakness: Unrealistic expectations of self & others, too perfect.

Limitation: Seeing the optimistic side of things, expressing flexibility

Some suggestions for each personality type:

Lions: Be softer and more gentle and include others when making decisions.

Otters: Think before you speak, and consider consequences before you act.

Retrievers: Practice saying no and making firm decisions.

Beavers: Learn to relax and don’t expect others to do things just like you.

Partners: Tell each other what you are going to allow the Lord to work on. Pray for one another.

Blessings