Charisma

The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”        Luke 1:28

I am currently reading a book about charisma, and how that has influenced American political and spiritual leaders throughout the centuries.  The word charisma has at its root the word “charis” meaning gift, grace, favored, or a variant of those concepts. Paul used the word, for example, to describe how Mary was given the gift of being a “God carrier” as she carried Jesus during her pregnancy.

Charisma, as we have come to use the term, tends to take on the meaning of likeable, charming (there is that root word charis again), compelling others to follow or be drawn to them. Many political leaders have been described as charismatic, partly due to looks, mannerisms, sense of humor, passion etc.

The bad news is that people with charisma do not always use it for good. There have been leaders who use their charisma for evil or egotistical purposes. We need to be careful to look beyond what appears to be charming and winsome. We need to see consistent character, servant leadership and humility as guide stars for our leaders. Yes, that is a very idealistic benchmark for our elected leaders, right?

Wouldn’t it be nice if such characteristics were expected and demanded?

Prayer: Lord, help us to discern the qualities that make strong and faithful leaders, Amen