On Charisma II

As written by Paul in his letter to the church in Corinth "Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." ~I Corinthians 9:19-22 (NIV)

Paul's ability to step into the life of another was truly a gift from God, for it was through this gift that he was able to share Christ with so many. Never once did Paul use his charisma to manipulate others for his own benefit. Quite the contrary. Paul was so other-focused he genuinely stepped into the role of the other and naturally operated as they preferred to operate. There was nothing for Paul to gain in this process - he was simply fulfilling his purpose of serving the Lord. It was all about the opportunity for the other to receive the gift of God's love.

It is often said that opposites attract. Maybe so. What's interesting is although we are most drawn to our opposite, we are more comfortable with those who are most like us. God knows. He knows we listen more intently when someone supports our position on those topics closest to our heart. We gravitate toward those individuals who behave like us. Life's experiences are enhanced when we can share with others who have been down a similar road. When we lose a loved one we seek out another who has experienced the same. When we are blessed with children we seek out others who have been blessed to share our story, whether it be the joys and / or trials of childbirth or adoption. God knows. He knows His greatest opportunity to reach you and I is through that of another who's journey resembles ours.

It's the ability to cross over into the life of the other that God has gifted individuals with. It is this gift which we could call charisma. It is this gift that God has so clearly demonstrated through Paul - for nothing more than to convey His love for us. What a wonderful example of good charisma (thanks Spleen)!

The journey continues . . .

SM