The “cross” does not naturally attract us even on the good days but Jesus’ cross changes your life.
And attraction is a powerful theme in our times and culture. It is a powerful pull on our lives. The concept of being attracted is captured in the word “charisma” which means “a special magnetic charm or appeal.” A relatively neutral definition depending upon the context.
When used in the Bible, the root word in charisma, which is “charism”, ties to the Holy Spirit. There is a sense of divine work in it. That God is enabling and empowering something.
But the word is also used in a way that is not necessarily linked to God. Expressions by others, and in ourselves, that it is good for us to be aware of and, at times, beware.
Expressions by others, and in ourselves, that it is good for us to be aware of and, at times, beware.
Drawn to Something: What Attracts You?
By definition we all like charisma.
- Charisma makes me want to listen to a speaker because I like them as a person.
- It is the song you enjoy because you like a particular musician.
- It is what draws you to a church…and, after the glow fades, why you may leave.
- It can be about your own charisma, hanging out and serving people you like — and avoiding or even leaving those you do not.
And our lives are shaped by such gravitational-like pulls on our souls. Whether in music, movies, a celebrity or artist, books, or education, it is likely that the most charismatic people are having an impact on our lives in molding how we think and live. While not necessarily negative, this is often without them— or us — knowing it.
It is likely that the most charismatic people are having an impact on our lives in molding how we think and live.
That does not sound bad, right? But these are exactly the Christian life themes we discuss in “discipling.” This word captures becoming a follower of Jesus where our inward thoughts and heart are transformed in such a way that our external actions are different too. So what is often happening in our wider world is that these can be unconsciously discipling or forming you.
So what is often happening in our wider world is that these can be unconsciously discipling or forming you.
Today our personal tastes can be drawn and indulged to incredibly specific levels whether in music, entertainment, a streaming/TV program, or even eating. It is not odd to see options on slight variations of color in painting or even experiencing “decision paralysis” in picking cereals.
But we can be more conscious of what attracts us and what shapes us.
Easter: Living for More
Easter, as well as Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, is a time that helps us remember this. It reminds us of more than what we see or feel. There is more than our circumstances.
As with the disciples, we are drawn to Jesus Christ. Who he is and how he lived is at the center of our lives.
In Jesus, there was definitely charisma. People were drawn to him. But when the cross (suffering/discomfort/dying to self) came up, disciples and even apostles left him (John 6:60-71; Matthew 26:56).
There is a charisma that can be more about comfort than cross. When their attraction to Jesus moved beyond comfort they moved from him.
There is a charisma that can be more about comfort than cross.
Lent, a season in the Christian calendar that reflects on cross-type themes in preparing for the joy of Easter, explores such areas. It is a recognition that the Christian faith expresses not just joy and comfort, but also suffering, challenge, and even consciously chosen sacrifice to serve Him.
The Christian faith expresses not just joy and comfort, but also suffering, challenge, and even consciously chosen sacrifice to serve Him.
There is no Easter Sunday without a Maundy Thursday and a Good Friday. (And, as you know, the “good” was for us. His day was much harder in physical suffering as well as spiritually suffering for our sins.)
We remember there is no empty tomb without the cross.
There is no resurrection without crucifixion.
And there is no eternal life without death.
The message of Easter is that there is victory over death — but also over charisma-driven decisions, whether that is your own charisma or someone else’s. It’s the message that:
- Jesus is victorious over all false or thin elements of being together. We walk the long journey with each other no matter the attractiveness.
- It’s that we stand with Jesus not only when we like him or when he says things we like. We stand with him taking up our cross.
The Impact on You
We have Christ’s life in us. That means we are being shaped to Jesus, not to culture, family, or our own ways. This affects how we think, live, what we declare right or wrong, even the way we use our generous leisure.
- Charisma drew twelve apostles to Jesus. Cross kept them faithful to martyrs’ deaths (and that was for most of them according to Christian tradition).
- Charisma leaves a job, marriage, or family just because we don’t like it. Cross means we pray and are open to God’s mission in difficult places and people.
- Charisma does second-rate work when you don’t like the boss or teacher. Cross means you are doing all things as unto the Lord.
- Charisma results in boasting in ourselves. Cross boasts in one’s weaknesses (2 Corinthians 11:30) and in the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
In these final days leading up to Easter, consider:
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Am I attracted to Jesus more than anything else in life?
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How am I shaped by the cross of Christ at this time of my life?
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How well do I carry suffering, leaning into my Father’s hands and presence?
That means we are being shaped to Jesus, not to culture, family, or our own ways.
A Warning!
Remember: God has a purpose for you. And that may come through suffering or challenge. There will be times where we will follow Jesus’ example in feeling the need to ask for a removing of the cup given to us.
But we will also be able to follow Jesus in being able to rest in God’s good will — no matter what. And for any cross, temptation, or suffering you carry, He will be with you to help you bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Take up your cross remembering that the Risen Christ lives in you, loves you, and gives you strength (Galatians 2:20)!
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20
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