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Peter was a Magnet
Acts 2 marks a pivotal point in the New Testament. 120 men and women become charter members of the church when it is born in an upper room in Jerusalem. Yet by the end of the chapter, it explodes into a body of more than 3,000 members.
After the Holy Spirit falls on the believers (Acts 2:1-4), chaos seems to rule. That’s when Peter stands up to speak. This same Peter, who ran in fear on the night of Jesus’ trial, now speaks boldly. Within minutes, he captivated everyone with his compelling words. The crowd gladly accepts his message. Why? He has charisma.
Notice what made Peter so charismatic, from Acts 2:14-40 –
- Confidence: Peter displayed poise and optimism as a buoyant communicator.
- Conviction: He knew where he was going and what he had to say. He spoke straight from his heart.
- Connection: He focused not on himself, but on others. He magnetically connected with his audience.
- Compassion: He exuded warmth and love. He gave the people practical answers to their needs.
By the end of Peter’s message, everyone asked, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). They felt motivated and ready to act. God used Peter’s charisma like a magnet.
Ahab & Jezebel Manipulate People Because They Cannot Move Them
Few couples in Scripture are less attractive than King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Because they suffered an almost total lack of leadership charisma, they had to use manipulation, selfishness, and cunning to get what they wanted.
Why did Ahab and Jezebel fail to demonstrate any charisma?
- Pride: They set out selfishly to build their own kingdoms (1 Kings 22:8). Nobody wants to follow a leader who thinks he is better than everyone else.
- Selfishness: They used people in order to get ahead; anyone was expendable (1 Kings 19:2).
- Insecurity: They worried about image and lived under false pretenses (1 Kings 21:8-13). If you are uncomfortable with yourself, others will be too. Only secure leaders provide a secure atmosphere.
- Moodiness: They sulked and got angry when they didn’t get their way (1 Kings 21:4). If people never know what to expect from you, they stop expecting anything. Eventually, they won’t even approach you.
- Perfectionism: They abused the authority they had been given and pretended to be people they were not (1 Kings 21:18-27). People respect the desire for excellence, but loathe unrealistic expectations. No one wants to feel the program is more important than they are.
Ahab and Jezebel felt no incentive to develop charisma because their position allowed them to use people. Why would they need to inspire others to cooperate with them? Wasn’t their word law? Out of This World Leaders must avoid this wicked attitude at all costs…
How Can We Build Charisma?
In Greek, the word charisma means “gift.” God gives a degree of charisma to everyone. Leaders should give it away to others. Charismatic people are others-centered.
To make yourself the kind of leader who attracts others, build the following into your life:
- Love life. Celebrate; don’t complain. Enjoy the journey.
- Put a “10” on everyone’s forehead. Expect the best of people and treat them well.
- Give people hope. Everyone looks for hope; leaders deal it out.
- Share yourself. Be vulnerable and real. Share your heart, wisdom, and resources.
Out of This World Leaders seek ways to build charisma in their lives—by being others-minded. How would you rate your own charisma? Where can you make improvements this week?