A Broad View of Moses
A brief summary
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.
A brief reminder
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 might6 in words and in deeds." Acts 7:22.
A Close View of Moses
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.
Summary: Instead of worrying over your weaknesses, thank God for his power in your life.
Temperament Transformation: Melancholy
The Melancholy will need 5 fruits or strengths of the Holy Spirit.
Love- for others in spite of imperfections.
Joy- to replace moodiness.
Peace- to replace fluctuating thoughts.
Goodness- towards others that gives fulfillment to self, also in a right way.
Faith- to do what they fear they can't.
Questions to Think About:
1. Whether you have a melancholy temperament or not, is there anything you can identify with Moses?
2. Is there anything that helps you understand and interact better with a melancholy?
3. Read Isaiah 6:8. Isaiah was another man in the Bible who was a melancholy. How was his response different to the call of God than Moses'?
3. Read Isaiah 6:8. Isaiah was another man in the Bible who was a melancholy. How was his response different to the call of God than Moses'?
4. With your temperament in mind, what does the previous verse mean to you?