Character Before Charisma: Finding the right balance

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Akindolani Oluwasegun Michael
@segunakindolani

Character Before Charisma: Finding the right balance

"1 Samuel  16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."

"Character  before duty", they say. This saying is true from every standard and also well validated by scriptures as mentioned above. In this fast-paced, technology-induced and modern-structured society, we have erroneously focused and placed priority more on charisma rather than character; competence instead of integrity and capabilities over capacities. This is as a result of our knack for outstanding success and qualitative delivery at its peak. 

The world system has now adopted this model as its own way of self-sustenance which in most cases has helped us in throwing caution to the wind. An entity (be it human, organization or government) without character, integrity, capacity or moral quality as you would call it is only advancing towards a collapse in the nearest possible future. 

This principle of placing character before charisma is key in the successful adventure of any venture. Many organizations, institutions, businesses, home and individuals have crashed in the habit of ignoring this singular act. Don't get me wrong, both are needed in every endeavour but what is what is very important. If God looks at things from that perspective then it is foolishness to think otherwise. 

We have smart people, intelligent workforce and dutiful workers everywhere but it becomes disappointing when we come to hear or discover certain things made mention about them. Immediately, you notice that the tempo of the once highly rated and applauded sensations reduces which often leads to becoming a push-over because of that lacking aspect. 

Mind you, this is not a near-perfect advocating write-up neither is it a saint-searching medium article but a platform for you to know the thin line between the two forces and then prioritize. The ultimate gain should not be sacrificed for immediate gratification.

The strength of character matters a lot to God than charisma. "What you are" is far important than "what you can do" and we should take a clue from this as it goes a long way in determining how we end. As good, charming and attractive charisma is, it is not enough and moreso, it can't stand the test of time without character. Charisma minus character will be catastrophic while character plus charisma is, without any doubt, Christianity. And that will culminate into a colourful life and experience for us.

Charisma is the enthusiasm, vigour, motivation, ability and strength that we show towards a cause while character is the mental disposition, positive attitude and moral quality that is shown towards a cause. Charisma often comes through formal education, family background, social status and connection while character is a function of personal training, discipline and development. They don't teach you character in school but its something you need to learn and develop consciously through the help of God. Churches can still teach you as a moral principle but only God can impart the virtues and values into you.

God will rather choose a man of impeccable character irrespective of his background, education or status than a man of admirable charisma. This is because charisma does not often measure the true worth of a man's personality. It is character that does. In most cases, charisma is operational on the outward while character is inward.

Listen to this properly as you read on: a man of character is not void of mistakes due to ignorance or inadequate information at one's disposal, nevertheless, he uses the occasion to reinvent himself for proper alignment with the rules. Unlike a man of charisma who is full of himself, only looking for excuses and whom or what to apportion blame for his failures and mistakes. He is never willing to accept responsibilities and this in turn makes him continually loose relevance.

Character study in the bible presents David while charisma study in the same book points out Saul. Both were Royal representations for Israel during their reigns. David had more history and room for personal trainings and development unlike Saul who only stumbled into royalty. Charisma can make a man start strong in an explosive manner and also burn out quickly when the going gets tough while character will make a man start rough but end strong. IT IS BETTER TO START ROUGH AND END STRONG IN LIFE THAN START STRONG AND END WITH A ROUGH LIFE. May Saul's life not be our portion in Jesus name. Amen

Folks, going to church religiously is not exactly what makes you a man of character but rather your willingness to be a disciple of God's word both publicly and privately. It is this act of display when it's either convenient or not that builds our character. Character is cultivated and built based on what goes on within us in response to our environment while charisma is ignited based on what is happening around us. A man of character might not look like it or appear as the best but he definitely has what can make him the best if he continues to make an effort.

Charisma is a make-up of strength and skill which is laudable and commendable while character is a make-up of the fear of God and a good mental disposition. Charisma will get a man to the top but only character will sustain him there. Though, our charisma study proponent, Saul reigned for 40 years, which is same as David, he was only relevant for two years in the sight of God. Meaning that, he lived a wasted life that had no eternal value and earthly significance. He enjoyed a momentary ovation due to charisma but had no legacy that generations to come can subscribe to. His container was beautiful as it were but the content was pathetic. You sell or market yourself through charisma while you resell or enjoy unbroken patronage through character. Charisma shows people what you can do but character shows them the person behind the skin. When a man of character succeeds, a man of charisma becomes unnecessarily jealous but when a man of charisma enjoys success while it last, a man of character becomes happy and supportive.

Both character and charisma will make a man influential with posterity to procure. I think I need to stop here but before I put my pen to a halt, let me notify you that most men and women of charisma, hardly maintain a godly relationship because it thrives on abilities, interest, vigour and strength while men and women of character will never ignore but give priority to a godly relationship because that is where they draw their virtues. So in conclusion, you need character first and then charisma in order to last and end well. Remain blessed!

Akindolani Oluwasegun Michael
[Visionary, MMI Inc.
Motinspirational speaker,  Counsellor, Teacher and Infopreneur]
massakins4x@gmail.com, segunakindolani@hotmail.com