Temperament and Conduct

by Garry Floyd

1. Introduction:

Temperament shapes conduct: For example, a person with a naturally calm temperament is less likely to exhibit aggressive conduct, while someone with a highly reactive temperament may show impulsive or intense behaviors.

Conduct reflects temperament – but not perfectly: External influences (social norms, upbringing, stress) can modify how temperament manifests in conduct. A naturally introverted person might learn to act extroverted in professional settings.

Moderating factors: Emotional regulation, cognitive control, and social learning can weaken or strengthen the link between temperament and conduct.

2. What are some common temperaments between men and women?

Personality psychology suggests that men and women share many common temperamental traits, though their expression can vary. These are some widely observed temperaments that both genders often exhibit:

1. Sociability
2. Emotional Reactivity
3. Adaptability
4. Activity Level
5. Persistence

How we react in these temperaments makes or breaks acceptable godly conduct.

3. First, let’s examine what is considered godly conduct. Godly conduct refers to behavior aligned with virtues such as:
4. Humility
5. Patience
6. Self-control
7. Kindness
8. Integrity
9. Love & forgiveness

Temperament is neutral by itself – it’s how we manage it that determines whether conduct is godly or ungodly. For example:

Temperament Trait	Potential Godly Expression	Potential Ungodly Expression
Impulsivity	Quick to help, generous, enthusiastic in service.	Rash decisions, anger outbursts, lack of self-control.
Patience	Endurance in trials, calm under pressure.	Passive avoidance, enabling wrongdoing.
Assertiveness	Courage to speak truth, defend justice.	Pride, domination, harshness.
Emotional Reactivity	Compassion, empathy, and deep care for others.	Overreaction, bitterness, grudges.
Sociability	Fellowship, hospitality, building community.	Gossip, seeking approval over truth.

 

Makes: When temperament is submitted to moral and spiritual principles, it becomes a strength (e.g., assertiveness used for justice).

Breaks: When temperament is unchecked or self-centered, it leads to ungodly behavior (e.g., impulsivity leading to sin).

4. So, how do we transform temperament into godly conduct that is pleasing to the Father?

First, we must be honest about and recognize our temperament.

• 2 Corinthians 13:5; Romans 12:3; Psalm 139:23-24 – Awareness is the first step to transformation
• John 18:10 – Peter was naturally impulsive. Recognizing this helped him later become bold for Christ in Acts.

Second, we must pray for guidance and surrender our natural tendencies to God – “How would God want me to express or react to this or that?”

• Luke 9:23-25 – We all experienced a repentance that led to a conversion into Christianity. How does our belief in the grace of God and His higher expectations for our lives shape us into the Christian He has called us to be?
• Romans 12:1-2 – Present body as a living sacrifice

Third, we must apply biblical virtues to our temperament

Temperament	Godly Transformation	Biblical Example
Impulsivity	Self-control, wisdom	Peter learns restraint (Acts 4:13)
Assertiveness	Courage with humility	Paul speaks truth boldly yet lovingly (Eph. 4:15)
Emotional Reactivity	Compassion, forgiveness	Joseph forgives his brothers (Gen. 50:20)
Patience	Endurance in trials	Job remains faithful despite suffering (Job 1:21)

 

Fourth, we must be courageous about guarding against ungodly expressions.

• Proverbs 4:23; 2 Timothy 1:7; Psalm 141:3-5 – What ‘triggers’ you? – Learn them vs. simply react to them and set boundaries.
• Proverbs 16:32 – “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”

Finally, we must seek out accountability partnerships – mentors, faith leaders, and truly devoted friends who will tell you when you’re behaving ungodly – and own your new and improved godly temperament!

• Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Mind the company you keep and surround yourself with good and godly people.
• Acts 11:23-24 – Barnabas encouraged Paul and others.

 

 

 

Personal Temperament-to-Godly Conduct Action Plan

Step 1: Identify Your Temperament

• Which traits describe you most? (Check all that apply)
  • ☐ Impulsive
  • ☐ Patient
  • ☐ Assertive
  • ☐ Emotional
  • ☐ Sociable
  • ☐ Other: ___________

Step 2: Recognize Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths of this temperament:

• Challenges or ungodly tendencies:

Step 3: Align with Godly Virtues

Temperament	Godly Virtue to Cultivate
Impulsivity	Self-control (Galatians 5:23)
Assertiveness	Humility (Philippians 2:3)
Emotional Reactivity	Forgiveness (Colossians 3:13)
Patience	Endurance (James 1:4)
Sociability	Love (1 Corinthians 13:4–7)

Step 4: Action Steps

• Scripture to memorize: __________________________
• Prayer focus: _________________________________
• Practical habit to develop: _____________________

Step 5: Accountability

• Who will support you? __________________________
• Check-in frequency: ____________________________