Swayed By Personality

I have also met the kind of disciples who seemed to be Christians because of the cult of personality. They had been overwhelmed and charmed by a big dose of winsome personality. You cannot deny that when some people flash their broad smiles, their faces radiate charm and people want to follow them immediately.

I have always been bothered a little by personality tests, even though I am addicted to them. Actually, I have never found one that really benefited me. I always seem to come out with a poor score. But I never pass one up if it asks, “Are you a good husband?” “Are you a good father?” “Have you got personality?”

I once confided to Dr. H. M. Shuman, long-time president of The Christian and Missionary Alliance and a very wise Christian philosopher, “Dr. Shuman, no one will follow me. I can’t help but notice all of the big leaders with their charm and personality to spare. All they have to do is whistle, and there come the crowds!”

“Just thank God that they are not following you,” Dr. Shuman replied. “Although they may not follow you, preach Jesus and they will follow Him !”

When you think about it, we are told that Jesus Himself had no beauty that we should desire Him (Isa. 53:2). He was not a personality boy. I think He must have been a plain-looking Jew, for Judas had to kiss Him to let the soldiers know which one He was. If Jesus had been a television personality and had looked the part, no one would have had to go up and spot Him.

But when Jesus opened His mouth, grace and truth came out, and men and women either rejected the words that fell from His lips or they followed Him. In either case, they could never be the same again.

Excerpted from Discipleship (p. 22-23).