“Emotional Intelligence”, is a book by Daniel Goleman which I have found most fascinating. Respected academia has been hard at work ever since, discovering more and more of what makes the human species tick.
Goleman wrote: “Our emotions have a mind of their own, one which can hold views and motivate actions quite independently of our rational mind.” Uncontrolled emotions can hijack and paralyse the mind. But conversely, the person who knows how to put emotions such as anger, shame, fear in their place and retains a clear head in crisis, will be much more likely to succeed in life. Research has shown that up to 90% of high achievers were individuals who scored high in emotional intelligence (“EQ”).
Harvard Professor Jerome Kagan had this to say about Goleman’s groundbreaking book: “An informed, lively summary of science that returns human emotions to their proper place in any theory of human nature.”
An enormous amount of research has confirmed that emotional intelligence (EQ) is a better predictor of professional and relational success than IQ.
If emotions are allowed to dominate our thinking, intelligence can come to nothing. In the heat of the moment intelligent persons can react in ways that can cause irreparable damage. Studies reveal that if we take charge of our emotions and harness our thoughts, we can increase our brain power.
But this, of course, is not new to God, the creator of the human brain and emotions. He helps us, as our Manufacturer, in His instruction manual, how to run the human machine. We can “renew our minds”. Also, we have power to “set our emotions” and “set our minds”, so that we don’t become victims of runaway emotions. There are at least 32 verses in the Bible that encourage “self control.”
Recognising and controlling emotions makes us better at communication, creativity, decision making, conflict resolution, anger management, social skills, leadership and better lovers.
God informs us He is willing to help us gain control of emotions. He offers it to us like a delicious fruit that grows on His love tree. “But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. ….” Galatians 5:22-23 (NCV).
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