Transforming Your Temperament: Biblical Example of a Phlegmatic

Phlegmatic is the second of the introverted temperaments. Their even temper and calmness differentiates them from the melancholic. They make great diplomats and peacemakers. Phelgmatics rarely get around to making a decision or talking about the problem. Many are teachers, doctors, scientists, comedians and writers. They can make capable leaders. Here are some other aspects of a phlegmatic:

Eating Habits: Are the most deliberate eaters and usually the last to finish.
Driving: Are usually the slowest drivers of all. They usually are indecisive and can be slow.
Shopping: Enjoy shopping. They take longer and are more fugal. Hard time deciding.
Yard Care: Usually do the yard because their desire to rest is overcome by their drive to do the accepted thing and have a nice yard.
Study Habits: Can be good students if they don't procrastinate. Work best under pressure. Have orderly minds. Are capable of analysis and deductions. Good memories. Usually write small and neat.

Speaking: Are quiet about everything. Seldom enter into debate.
Bill Paying: Systematize everything. Keep good records. Like to pay bills early. Love to balance the checkbook.
Discipline: Need to learn to be more assertive when necessary. They have lots of patience with children and take time to play with them. May allow children to sass them. Least likely to spank. Needs to agree with spouse about correction.

Abraham- The Man with Motivation

A Broad View of Abraham

A brief summary:

Easy- The easiest people in the world to get along with are phlegmatics. They are easy going and clam. Winner of the "nice guy of the year" award. May even act like Christians before becoming one. Works well with others. Conservative, dependable and with a practical turn of mind. Because he is quiet, his good and bad points are less perceptible.

Slow- The least motivated of the temperaments. He can ignore work graciously and is prone to be stubborn, stingy, and indecisive. May seek to avoid getting involved in life.

A brief reminder:

Remember- that phlegmatics make great diplomats and peacemakers. Many are teachers, doctors, scientists, comedians and writers. They can make capable leaders.

Remember- that phlegmatics never volunteer to serve as leaders but have great ability. They usually don't create friction. Don't take no for an answer, but on the other hand don't be pushy. Expect to be refused the first time around, but present your case and allow time for consideration. Don't expect a quick decision.

A Close View of Abraham (Genesis 12-23)

Consistent- Once properly motivated the phlegmatics will be faithful in their duties. They are consistent to refuse to take on more than they feel they can accomplish. They fear failing in the eyes of others and are reluctant to launch out into the deep. They may tend to say or think that someone else can do a better job. This is actually a selfish response. Philippians 4:13.

Conscience- Phlegmatics need a conscience that will not excuse sloth. Because he is not motivated, he may never get around to doing what needs to be done. Here is where the Holy Spirit must play an important part. If the Spirit is not allowed to lead and direct, little may be done in life. The only result will be that people think you are lazy or unable. Lack of motivation, fear, and doubt will lead to total failure.

Cautious- Afraid to completely obey, Abraham took his father and nephew with him. Afraid to fully trust God's promises, Abraham took matters into his own hands and conceived a child with his wife's handmaid. It took many, many years for Abraham to become the Father of Faith. He stopped in Haran until his father died. He was reluctant to obey and when tested, he failed. The first test in the promised land came as a famine. Taking God at His word spares the difficulties and headaches. Remember that God increases our faith through testing. James 1:2-4. Abraham ceased to be cautious and seems not to have even prayed about going to Egypt. His bringing Lot along with him caused even more trouble. Genesis 13:5-7

Desire- A phlegmatic's desire for peace is so great that Abraham would give up personal possession for it. Genesis 13:8-9. Don't miss the promise that follows his obedience. Genesis 13:114-17.

Dependable- Pressure does not change our character- it just identifies its true nature. Sanguines may run off in the wrong direction, melancholies may go to pieces, but cholerics and phlegmatics both rise to the occasion. Phlegmatics can do it in a calm manner. Genesis 14. It shows his love for family, his leadership, his calm response to victory and faithfulness to tithe.

Neutral- The most likely husband to be "henpecked" is the phlegmatic. The worst mistake Abraham made was to give into his wife. Genesis 16:2. Then later he listened again as he sent his son away. Genesis 21:8-11 Nothing is ever accomplished by compromise of one's principles. Later, things changed. 1 Peter 3:1-6

Fearful- Afraid to trust God, he lied about his wife in Egypt. Later, he lied to another king. Genesis 20:1-13. Sometimes lessons must be repeated and relearned. The more Abraham learned about God, the more he learned to trust Him. It takes time for God to reveal Himself to us. Faltering and forging ahead, Abraham is a good example the God uses yielded vessels.

Final View of Abraham

Strength- Illustrated in the sacrifice of his son. Genesis 22. Stated in his words to his son, "God will provide himself a lamb." Genesis 22:8.

Resource- Abraham's source of strength was God's promise. Faith doesn't needs answers, but only direction. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6.

Summary:
By the end of his life, God's word was able to declare about the man who had no motivation that he was motivated by faith in God. Hebrews 11:8, 9, 17. Abraham was motivated to please God.

Temperament Transformation: Phlegmatic

The phlegmatic will need three fruits or strengths of the Holy Spirit.

Love- that motivates serving others.

Endurance- to replace procrastination.

Faith- to overcome fear and worry.

Questions for Discussion

1. Whether you have a phlegmatic temperament or not, is there anything you can identify with Abraham?

2. Is there anything that helps you understand and interact better with a phlegmatic?
3. Read Hebrews 11:1, 6. With your temperament in mind, what do these verses mean to you?