Charisma, defined as the qualities of an individual or institution that evoke voluntary allegiance, dedication, and loyalty, is a critical element in governance and childrearing. It is a gift, something endowed or imparted, carrying an attractive and useful connotation to the recipient. However, when used negatively, charisma becomes a tool for manipulation, based on attraction, leading to selfish exploitation. It is often the stock and trade of attractive individuals with huge egos, who use their charm to control and exploit others until their usefulness is exhausted, showing ruthlessness and aggression in pursuing personal ambitions. In a spiritual context, charisma can be seen in the magnetic allure of deceptive entities, compelling and seductive yet ultimately cruel, causing loss of perspective and ensnarement. In contrast, God possesses unparalleled charisma, handled with the greatest care due to His understanding of its powerful influence over lives. Within the family, parents hold a compelling attractiveness in the eyes of a child, standing in the place of God Himself. This magnetism is awesome, and it is their responsibility to use this gift positively, leading children in the right way without exploitation. When charisma is combined with fear, as in a monarchy, it can evoke loyalty through attraction and the pomp of power, while also instilling a fear of disadvantage to maintain stability. However, this combination often lacks the expectation of reward, potentially leading to oppression and a desire to escape. Combining charisma with reward, as seen in certain familial relationships, can foster love and opportunity but may lack discipline, tempting rebellion in minds not tempered by fear of consequence. The most effective governance arises from the balanced combination of charisma, reward, and fear. Charisma, rooted in the fear of the Lord, is a deep and abiding respect tinged with a small amount of fright, flowing from the totality of the governor's personality. In the family, this charisma is instilled by God in parents, enabling them to lead as He does. It flows from examples of love, humor, self-control, intelligence, common sense, balance, and affection, inspiring loyalty, allegiance, and submission for the right reasons. This quality, more than reward or fear, encourages a willingness to be governed, impacting children through the parents' attitudes, voice, and actions. Charisma develops through submission to God, as seeing and understanding Him fosters a voluntary submission. Parents, by consciously following God, enhance their charisma, increasing the chance of imparting a deep and abiding respect and responsibility for God in their children. Combined with judicious use of reward and fear, this charisma, through the art and science of parenting, helps train children in the way they should go.

The apostle Paul employs the Greek word *charisma* (plural, *charismata*) to describe spiritual gifts, which signify a free, unmerited, gracious favor or endowment from God. These gifts, bestowed through His Spirit, manifest as talents or abilities to fulfill spiritual purposes. Each individual in the church has received at least one such gift, distributed by God's Spirit as He wills, differing according to the grace given to us. Examples include the gift of prophecy to proclaim God's Word, the gift of healings to restore physical health, the gift of leadership to inspire action, and the gift of service to provide aid to others. Whatever spiritual gifts God has graciously granted, He desires that they be identified and used to the fullest in service to Him and His people, given freely as they have been freely received.

God desires for us to remember the wonderful gifts He imparts, as described by the Greek word *charisma* (G5486), which signifies a gift of grace or an undeserved benefit. In the New Testament, this term encompasses all gifts and graces from God, including deliverance from peril, self-control, Christian knowledge, consolation, confidence, redemption, and salvation through Jesus Christ. These gifts are freely given by God, not earned through human effort, wealth, or appearance, but bestowed as we are called by Him, become obedient to His laws, and are humbled before Him, ultimately receiving the gift of His Spirit through baptism and the laying on of hands. These gifts are designed for the benefit of the whole church, conferred in measures and manners best suited for usefulness and to produce good. God ensures that each person receives a unique gift to serve the collective body. Even during times of stress and trial, He provides all that is needed to stand firm at the end of the age. God wants us to remember these gifts so that we understand He will supply everything necessary to endure, reflecting His desire for us to be part of His Kingdom. Whatever trials we face, He will equip us to overcome, ensuring we have what it takes to persevere.