►Part 2 of a 6 part series
In the first part of this series, we explained how people’s temperaments (based upon the Arno Profile System) affect how their minds function and how each needs to wage spiritual warfare differently in this area. In this article, we look at the melancholy temperament.
This post, and others in the series, are adapted from the NCCA newsletters containing articles in the “Temperament Corner” by Dr. Phyllis Arno.
Melancholies typically have very active minds. They are thinkers and their minds rarely shut off. Some aspects of this temperament present vulnerabilities for the demonic kingdom, apart from spiritual maturity and transformation in the individual, to exploit:
- They can be overwhelmed by life’s circumstances and go into meltdown or “flight mode” if things get severe. Bizarre behavioral reactions, at the extreme, are very possible.
- Perceive rejection easily – real or imagined—so they can dwell on this easily and play “what if” games in their head. Feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy quickly follow.
- Stability and financial security are important so trials in this area can stir up great fear. Once again, the “what if” scenario is in play and they typically expect the worst outcome.
- They need a great deal of information and time typically to make decision and will make great decisions if both are in place. Lack of time, or the perception of being rushed, is very stressful.
- Being right, or at least seen that by others, is very important so if they are made to look foolish it can be devastating.
- They can get smothered by love and affection by people close to them. Melancholies need their space and quiet time to regroup daily.
For the Melancholy, their mind can actually be a place of escape. This is a space where others cannot invade and they can dwell and/or relive the past. Since they tend to be drawn to the negative, this can cause them to spiral downward into depression because they cannot get over the losses of the past.
After the negative thoughts become too much to bear, they may try other escapes such as drugs, alcohol, pornography, etc.; however, these escapes are addictions that become like a prison for them—a lifetime sentence. Jesus is the only one that can commute this sentence for them—if they would only ask Him.
We have seen that basic understanding of these potential weaknesses by an individual is a huge first step in preparing them to begin to win victories in the battlefield of the mind.
Given these areas outlined above, what steps can the melancholy take to improve their warfare skills?
The scriptural injunction to all believers is that we take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. They must remember: they are the guardians of their mind and, as guardians; they alone can fight the battle of the mind. We cannot stop thoughts from coming in but we can stop them from staying!
They need to do their part by thinking: “I choose not to remember”, “I have forgiven that person who wronged me” and “…Vengeance is mine; I will repay, smith the Lord.” Romans 12:19.
For the Melancholy, the key is to capture ungodly thoughts (2 Cor. 10:5) and replace them with godly ones. As Joyce Meyers has said, we need to think about what we are thinking about. Regardless of the thought that comes, Melancholies have active minds and must be quick to capture it, get it out of their own minds and think on what the bible says about that situation.
Memorize and practice Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Part 1: Know Your Spiritual Temperament And Win More Mind Battles
Part 3: Mind Battles for Sanguines
Part 4: Mind Battles for Cholerics
Part 5: Mind Battles for Phlegmatics
Part 6: Mind Battles for Supines
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