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By Elicipha Njuguna

We often describe the Phlegmatic personality as the calm in the storm. We are the mediators, the easy-going friends, and the masters of diplomacy. But behind that serene exterior lies a secret world—one often governed by a paralyzing fear of inadequacy and a deep-seated avoidance of the very battles we were born to fight.

The Moses Complex: When Humility is Actually Fear

When we look at the life of Moses, we see the typical Phlegmatic. When God called him at the burning bush, Moses didn’t respond with “Here am I, send me.” Instead, he listed his inadequacies one by one. “Who am I?” “What if they don’t believe me?” “I am slow of speech and tongue.” His final plea was almost painful to read: “Please send someone else.”

On the surface, it looked like humility. In reality, it was a refusal to step into his own skin.

God listened, but only partially.

The consequence was significant:

• The Shared Mantle: Because Moses resisted, God appointed Aaron to speak for him.
• The Forfeited Legacy: Moses was the initial Levite chosen to lead, but by insisting on a spokesperson, he shifted a portion of his calling to Aaron.
• The Missing Descendants: While Aaron’s lineage became the eternal priesthood of Israel, Moses’ descendants largely fade into the background of the biblical narrative.

By retreating into his inadequacy, Moses may have inadvertently signed away a legacy that was meant for his bloodline alone.

The Shadow Side of Peace-Loving

As a Phlegmatic myself, I spent years hiding behind this same mask. In primary and secondary school, I turned down leadership roles, convinced I wasn’t bold enough or loud enough. I thought I was being modest.

But in 2025, during a period of deep reflection on Moses’ story, the truth hit me with such force that I found myself in tears. I realized that my avoidance wasn’t just affecting me, it was hurting others.

The Phlegmatic Paradox: We avoid conflict to keep the peace, but our silence often creates a vacuum of leadership that leaves others unprotected or confused.

Our passive-aggressiveness and our tendency to shut down rather than speak up can be just as damaging as a hot-tempered outburst. I found myself repenting for the people I have hurt simply because I was too afraid to engage in a necessary battle.

What Legacy Are We Forfeiting?

The story of Moses is a wake-up call for every quiet soul. Every time we say “I can’t” because we feel inadequate, we aren’t just protecting ourselves from failure; we are potentially forfeiting a territory God intended for us to occupy.

Some battles must be fought. Some words must be spoken, even if our voices shake. We cannot allow our temperament to become a tomb for our potential.

Reflection Question

Who is the “Aaron” in your life? What might your life look like if you stopped asking for an “Aaron” and started trusting that your “stutter” is enough for the task at hand?