Drawn by the light
Charm is a glow within a woman that casts a most becoming light on others. (John Mason Brown)
What amount of light do you cast on the lives of others? If we were honest, there are times when we cast more of a shadow, not light! The truth is that we can be very 'charming' at times and altogether 'mean spirited' at others. The more we try to 'charm' another, the less 'true' we are, for 'charm' is really designed to display one thing while silently moving to perform another. A snake-charmer speaks soothing noises, plays a little tune, and uses his hands to mesmerize the snake. His aim is to get hold of the thing! The very enticement he has displayed is meant to display one thing while his heart and mind is all about doing something quite different. Charm can be deceiving, but when it is combined with the true grace of God within a life, the light that is cast by that charm is genuinely warm and enriches the lives of those that bask in it.
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises! (Proverbs 31:28)
The one who lives in the 'fear of God' is 'graced' with his peaceful presence and that presence brings a glow from within that reaches deep into the lives of others like nothing else is capable of doing. There is a radiance about one who has given their life into the hands of a gracious God - he adorns that life with his glory. Live in this way and others will be drawn to you, not because you 'charm' them with manipulative words or actions, but because of the genuineness of each word and commitment of each action.
The love of God changes a life in a way that is quite unlike any other thing. We can be 'positive' in our intent all we want, but the life that is touched by the grace of God becomes one that emanates the positive glow of grace. Why? There is no room within that life for one's own pride. There is no seeking of the attention of others, or the desire tor receive the 'credit' for things done well. In fact, the 'credit' comes from within - for the individual moved upon by the grace of God basks in that grace and is nourished by the presence of that grace. No amount of praise really gives us what God's grace produces wherever it dwells.
We might not realize we are being 'charmed' by the grace of God when we see a life lived well in the Lord's presence, but we do know we are being drawn toward that life because of the sheer beauty of light within their soul. Just sayin!
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