THE TRUTH ABOUT CHARM

THE TRUTH ABOUT CHARM

Who doesn’t want to be referred to as charming? The dictionary defines charm “as the ability to attract or delight greatly.” So how does one obtain the elusive quality of charm? And where exactly does it fit in our Christian walk? Is charm on God’s list of approved qualities?
An article by s noted Beauty Authority in 1949 addressed the three (3) fundamentals of charm. Get ready to laugh.
The three (3) fundamentals of charm are:-
1. Vigorous Aliveness
2. Appealing Good Looks
3. Ability to meet Life Gaily.
The author stress to summed it up by saying, “You can’t be gay, you can’t be vigorous, and you can’t look your best if you’re not in good condition. The advice may be helpful in 1949 but outdated today to an average teen girl.
So what exactly does God have to say about charm? Does the Bible even address it? Amazingly it does. Proverbs 31:30 says, “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised”. The original Hebrew word for deceptive in the verse is ‘Sheqer’ and it means “an untruth” or “a sham”. The second part of Proverbs 31:30 is clear on what makes God’s list when it comes to admirable qualities. “A woman who fears the Lord will be praised”. So what in the world does it mean to “fear the Lord”? It’s not of the knees knocking, teeth chattering, i-just-saw-a-ghost kind of fear. The fear that God speaks of is quite different. It is an awe and reverence for Him – an awesome respect.
One Bible dictionary describes fear of the Lord as something that dreads God’s displeasure – desires God’s favour – reveres God’s holiness – submits cheerfully to God’s will – is grateful for God’s benefits – sincerely worships God – conscientiously obeys God’s commandments.
Let break down the variables above.
- DO YOU DREAD GOD’S DISPLEASURE? You know that feeling you get when one of your parents is disappointed in you over something you have done? Would it concern you if you knew God was displeasured with your actions?
- DO YOU DESIRE GOD’S FAVOUR? Are you more concerned with winning the favour of man or God? Sadly, most Christians seem more concerned with being people – pleasers rather than God – pleasers.
- DO YOU REVERE GOD’S HOLINESS? Do you use the name of the Lord in vain or remain silent when others use His name in vain.
- DO YOU SUBMIT CHEERFULLY TO GOD’S WILL? Are you committed to seeking out God’s will by reading the Bible consistently and praying? When you know what God wants you to do in a situation, do you do it, even though it may not be the popular thing to do?

Excerpt from Living with Teens e-Library
For: Living with Teens Team
Tola_faith20042000@hotmail.com
08069730924