The Melancholy Personality

Most people wouldn't immediately think of me and melancholy in the same sentence. I'm pretty much choleric, as most of you would suspect. I do, however, have a fair amount of both sanguine and melancholy as well. This blog will be my outlet for those deep (and not so deep) thoughts, opines, and pithy observations. To get things started, I thought I'd begin with a discussion of the melancholy personality type, since it's the driving force behind me starting this blog.

The melancholic temperament is fundamentally introverted and is given to thought. Melancholic people often are perceived as very (or overly) pondering and are both considerate and very cautious. They are organized and schedule oriented, often planning extensively. Melancholics can be highly creative in activities such as poetry, art, and invention - and are sensitive to others. Because of this sensitivity and their thoughtfulness they can become preoccupied with the tragedy and cruelty in the world and are susceptible to depression and moodiness. Often they are perfectionists. Their desire for perfection often results in a high degree of personal excellence but also causes them to be highly conscientious and difficult to relate to because others often cannot please them. They are self-reliant and independent, preferring to do things themselves in order to meet their standards. One negative part of being a melancholic is that they can get so involved in what they are doing they forget to think of other issues. Their caution enables them to prevent problems that the more impulsive sanguine runs into, but can also cause them to procrastinate and remain in the planning stage of a project for very long periods. Melancholics prefer to avoid much attention and prefer to remain in the background; they do, however, desire recognition for their many works of creativity.

Moses (borrowed from Carol Wilkins)

Gifted is one word that describes a melancholy like Moses. The Bible has many famous names of the same temperament: Jacob, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Obadiah, Jonah, John the Baptist, the Apostles John and Thomas, and many others. Potential is another word to describe Moses. Melancholies have great potential if they do not give in to a negative thinking pattern.

Remember that the melancholy is prone to be pessimistic, very sensitive, moody, critical, and a perfectionist. Another thing to remember is that Moses lived during the time when the Holy Spirit did not indwell people as He does today. No one needs reminding about the intellect of Moses. Stephen, in Acts 7, says that Moses "was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds." Acts 7:22.

Self-sacrificing.
Melancholies are prone to give themselves to some sacrificial cause. This may even be directed by a sense of pride. Self-sacrifice must be God-directed. No one should be motivated by a sense of guilt. Why did Moses make the decision he made to leave the comforts and ease of the palace? The Bible reveals the answer in the book of Hebrews. Moses chose to live by faith, and to trust God. Hebrews 11:24-27.

Self-depreciating.
Melancholies may feel inferior when in reality it isn't true. They may also have a hard time accepting praise or commendation. They may tend to remember their mistakes instead of their accomplishments. Criticism to a small child with this thinking may discourage them for the future. This may also result in making excuses for not doing things. Melancholies tend to hate criticism. All this may lead a melancholy to live far below their ability level. A melancholy personality should never trust their feelings alone to guide them. How did Moses react:

I don't have any talent.
Exodus 3:11. "Who am I?"- What was God's response? Exodus 3:12. How does a melancholy get help? A study in the Bible of God's provision.

I don't know theology.
Exodus 3:13. "What shall I say?"- Many people offer the same excuse today. Moses didn't need ability, but availability.

No one will believe me!
Exodus 4:1. Fear of rejection even though God had promised they would listen. Exodus 3:18. All Moses could think about was his rejection 40 years earlier. Instead of focusing on failures, we need to see needs and possibilities. The service and the cause of Christ are more important than our pride. His fear was selfish. We are not responsible for the failure or success of our witness, but we are responsible to witness.

I can't speak in public.
Exodus 4:10. The question isn't what you can do, but what God can do. Moses ended up being saddled with Aaron. God doesn't ask for eloquence, but He does ask for obedience.

I don't want to go.
Exodus 4:13. Sometimes when a melancholy makes up their mind they can't, even good reasoning won't change them. God had answered every question and even demonstrated His power to Moses. Moses was suffering from deep resentment. He had had forty years in the wilderness to brood over his rejection and isolation. His thinking had been poisoned and it was hard to change. All of Moses' excuses seemed reasonable to him.

Anger.
Exodus 16:2; 32:19. Moses not only suffered from fear, but anger as well. Failure to control his anger cost him. Anger usually causes problems. James 1:20. Some anger may be right, Exodus 32:19, but some is wrong. See Numbers 20:3-5, 9-12. Anger and unconfessed sin can bring about early death. 1 Corinthians 11:30-32.

Perfectionism.
In writing the first five books of the Bible, Moses shows his ability to carefully give all the details as laid out by God for the Tabernacle, the priest, for sacrifice and worship. Moses also demonstrated a problem melancholies have with delegating authority and responsibility. Exodus 18:17-18. D. L. Moody said, "Instead of doing the work of ten men, get ten men to work." We need to learn to trust God to use other people.

Depression.
Numbers 11:10-15. Moses was one of three in the Bible who became depressed enough to want to die. God never asked Moses to carry all the burden and load. Read Moses' words carefully, "If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now." It's a good thing God doesn't grant all our requests. In everything, give thanks.

Loyalty.
Because Moses remained loyal, the people of Israel remained loyal. His devotion grew over the years. Moses is a good example of what God can do with a fearful, insecure, doubtful, pessimistic, compulsive, and depressed man. He became a great leader. He was a great instrument in the hands of God. He is a perfect illustration of the fact God doesn't use perfect men & women, but men & women of faith who trust Him.

In conclusion, while I'm primarily a choleric, having a bit of Moses personality can't be a bad thing, can it?