Adolf Hitler who plunged the world into a war of immense magnitude is often considered a charismatic leader. When we use the word charismatic in church circles, it is often viewed with all sacredness. However, charisma simply refers to someone’s ability to inspire and influence others, often relying on personal charm and emotional appeal. One can be charismatically evil, as Hitler abundantly proved. This is why in all choices of leaders in the Bible, charisma played the second fiddle. God always put character on top. Leaders who fit the bill under Moses’ administration were those who “fear(ed) God, men of truth, hating covetousness”. Exodus 18:21 NKJV. God picked David from following the ewes to lead Israel not just because of the skillfulness of hands, but also because of the integrity of heart.
In all choices of leaders charisma played the second fiddle. God always put character on top. It is by our good character that we mirror Christ to the unbelievers.
The conditions did not change in the New Testament. Paul in his writing to Timothy specifies terms and conditions under which one could be considered for the office of a Bishop. Among several other things, a candidate must have good report of the outside world. In other words, his lifestyle must not only be approved from within the church, but his good life must be acknowledged by the greater society as well. What is stated here as condition for bishopric should actually be applicable to every child of God so called. We will not all be Bishops; but we are all called to be worthy ambassadors of Christ in our various domains. It is by our good character that we mirror Christ to the unbelievers.
