No. 1 Predictor of Success Part 2

Yesterday, I started a blog series about a topic that I believe could be a reason for much of what we struggle through in life.  We all want success, but really only a few ever find true biblical success.  The No. 1 predictor of success for your christian walk,  your child after high school, or your life relationally is how well you can manage your emotions.


TalentSmart@ conducted a survey and found that ONLY 36% of those tested were able to identify their emotions as they happened.  Are you kidding me?  How can you manage something that you can't even recognize?  Let me ask you a question, "How well can you identify the emotions that you are going through?"  So that means that roughly 2/3 of people aren't fully in tune with themselves to be able to know their own emotions.  Now we know why so many never experience success in relationships or in life.  Helps explain the divorce rate, the high school drop out rates, and church drop out rates.  I want to outline 4 parts to this important concept of EQ or emotional quotient so that you can begin to ask God to help you grow in each one.

Categories of EQ


1. Self Awareness:


Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

• The most important discover in your life after Christ will be self discovery.
• You have got to become aware of what's going on in you.
• Not a given, so many live in denial about their true feelings.
• Have you ever been angry, but denied it to your spouse?  

2. Self management

Psalm 4:4 (NLT)

4 Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.

• Can we manage our emotions? Who's in control? You or your emotion?
• Ever had a time when you knew you should have kept quiet, but you just had to say "it"?
• Too often we spend our energy trying to control others, instead of managing ourselves.

3. Social Awareness

Romans 14:13 (NLT)

13 So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

• I've become aware of how much emphasis the Holy Spirit placed on "others" when having the New Testament written by Paul and friends.
• 225 times Paul and the writers of the other epistles mention others.
• You need to always be aware of the others you are around and consider their emotions.
• I'm amazed at the things I hear people say in public. 
• We all just roll eyes, and talk about it back in our cars or homes, but we have to consider who's listening, all the time.
• I talk differently when I'm with my staff vs. when I'm in the pulpit.  It's not hypocrisy it's wisdom.  Different when I'm with lost vs. believers, denominational vs. us.
• You always have to be aware of who's around you.

4. Relationship management

Matthew 26:50 (NLT)

50 Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.” Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him.

• Jesus told this to Judas as he was about to betray Him. 
• Jesus had to manage His emotions to call Judas , "friend".
• You will lose valuable relationships without the ability to manage your emotions.
• One of the reasons for high divorce rates.