Since 1904, administrators and employers have sought to measure intelligence through the use of Intelligence Quotient (IQ) tests. The idea is that such an evaluation can hopefully provide at least some indication of one’s mental capacity and aptitude for various tasks.

By 1990, the concept of Emotional Intelligence (one's EQ) was identified—and soon viewed by many as a factor possibly even more important than intelligence. A person’s EQ is defined as the ability to identify, assess, and control one’s own emotions, the emotions of others, and that of groups.

Have you ever had to deal with someone who seems to be immature for his or her age—who is inappropriately childish? Such a person might get irritated easily or fuss and whine at difficulties and inconveniences. It can get pretty nerve-racking. But a higher level of emotional intelligence helps people control their emotions and handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and with empathy.

Thousands of years ago, the book of Proverbs spoke of the value of emotional intelligence: “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Proverbs 16:32).

Jesus likewise emphasizes to His followers, “In your patience possess ye your souls” (Luke 21:19).

In this issue of the Youth Messenger, we read of joy, hope, healing, and the denying of self in surrender to God. The process of sanctification begins with what we think about—and this affects in turn how we feel. We need to control our feelings to dwell in harmony with God’s will.

“Your thoughts must be brought into subjection to the will of God and your feelings under the control of reason and religion. Your imagination was not given you to be allowed to run riot and have its own way without any effort at restraint or discipline. If the thoughts are wrong the feelings will be wrong; and the thoughts and feelings combined make up the moral character.”—Reflecting Christ, p. 301.

What a powerful combination! So let’s determine to govern our feelings by what we know to be right—and not let our feelings rule us or be swayed by the current.