Appendix 2E; Power Struggles within Your Personality
Negotiation is not only a reality in social circles, but it also takes place within your soul. You negotiate with yourself on many levels. Should you believe this or that, go here or there, say something or nothing, be friendly or indifferent? These decisions stem from a struggle in determining who you are going to please with your decision; your untamed desires that drive your instant gratification of self and people pleasing or your holy desires that drive long term gratification aimed at pleasing God first. To become aware that this struggle takes place is the first step in intentional decision making.
As a Christian, your success depends on the shaping of your perspective. A Christian recognizes that there will be a constant struggle going on between your "superego" and your "id" which shapes your ego (as Freud* explains the process). While Freud was an atheist when he developed his theories, his explanation of human behavior does mimic the struggle outlined by the Apostle Paul between the flesh and the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-21, Romans 7:14-25). By using Freuds theory in light of Biblical truth (the strength of the Holy Spirit in you), you become aware of how intentionality in decision making shapes your outcomes. Because of this process, you can make a good/right/ethical decision by allowing your desires to be subject to (conformed to) the truth of God. Your perspective or world view influences your choices. The choices you make now determine outcomes you get later.
Make choices today to create the reality you want to experience in the future. Be aware of who you are and which part of your personality you allow to influence your choices*. Flex and temper your personality in order to achieve your vision and goals (see Appendix 2B, Appendix 2I, and Appendix 2D). Have a conversation with yourself and let faith, seasoned with Biblical logic, win the negotiation that takes place in your mind. Christianity believes in the knowledge of God to shape your thinking and decision-making, motivated by faith.
*The id, ego, and superego are names for the three parts of the human personality which are part of Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytical personality theory. According to this German psychoanalyst (born 1856-died 1939), these three parts combine to create the intricate role of choice that drives human behavior of human. Picture from: https://cbtworld.wordpress.com/cbtmo/cbt-move-on-sigmund-freud-id-ego-superego/
An ancient philosophy called Stoicism, founded by Zeno of Citium of Athens, Greece, during the early 3rd century BC, was a theory that relies solely on man's ability to maintain inner peace through emotional regulation and learned skills like resiliency. It was popular until the rise of the rise of Christianity inside the Roman Empire, and is again a popular theory in today's me-centered world. Most atheists rely on a stoic philosophy that credits themselves for the strength needed to tame both their human desires and emotional volatility in their quest for peace and happiness. A modern stoic philosophy is rooted in the use of mindfulness and is credited for enhancing your resiliency, without mentioning God. Visit: https://www.1517.org/articles/stocism-is-good-but-it-isnt-the-gospel).
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Review the role of Conscience in section 1 the Art of Self-Mastery; are you God conscience or do you let your desire/self interest win the negotiations in your head?
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For further reading that integrates a Christian outlook regarding your conscience and personality expression, read paper called, "The unconverted subconscious in psychotherapy: biblical foundations, psychological explorations and clinical applications."