In about 1906 the French Ministry of Education commissioned psychologist Alfred Binet to devise a test to measure the intelligence of children. This is known as the IQ Test.
Then in 1996 Daniel Goleman published his groundbreaking book: “Emotional Intelligence.” He suggested we actually have two different types of intelligence:
· Rational Intelligence “IQ” and
· Emotional Intelligence “EQ”.
He rightly commented that our emotions have power to hijack and overwhelm our rational mind. He pointed out that having an exceptionally high IQ, is no guarantee of success in life, especially when accompanied by a low EQ.
He said that “Rational Intelligence can come to nothing when emotions hold sway.”
From years of studying the scriptures, I have come to believe that we have enough evidence to actually operate from a third intelligence:
· Spiritual Intelligence “SQ”.
This third intelligence, for the Christian, is what the Bible calls “The Mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16. We are encouraged to adopt the mindset of Jesus: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5.
We are told that one of the hallmarks of Emotional Intelligence is self-control. For the Christian, Christ lives in us. Romans 8:10. This divine presence empowers us to manifest the Christ-like emotions and attitudes including “self-control.”
When the Holy Spirit controls us He will produce in us what is known as “the fruit of the Spirit” which is: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23.
Through the Scriptures, we are given the knowledge that Jesus is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.
How awesome is this, when we realise that He is available through “Spiritual Intelligence” to help us with our Rational Intelligence as well as Emotional Intelligence?
This superior intelligence that governs the universe is here, helping us by His supernatural imagination to make the world a much better place.
Having experienced the transforming power of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, we are encouraged to live the same kind of life that Jesus lived. But we are taught that there is no way we can do so on our own, by mere human effort.
We, like Jesus, need to be empowered from above.
“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good … because God was with him. Acts 10:38.
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