America lost a powerful Christian voice when Charlie Kirk was gunned down yesterday at a university in Utah.
Charlie is being remembered as an advocate for Conservative values and American exceptionalism, and he certainly was that. But at 31 years old, he was a bold proclaimer of the Gospel. Quick to confess that he was a sinner, he enthusiastically shared the Good News about his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Asked in a recent podcast what he wanted to be remembered for, Charlie answered, “for courage for my faith.”
Charlie Kirk winsomely engaged with young people across the political and spiritual spectrum. He did not convert every person, but he treated everyone with respect and offered them the dignity of a reasoned dialogue. For that he was either loved or hated by many.
We should never fool ourselves into thinking that if we simply speak truth boldly people will inevitably embrace it. Jesus spoke truth with power, and yet most of those in power (and most of the masses as well) rejected Him. He and His message were so offensive to those whose hearts were darkened that they conspired to kill him.
Right now, many young people are devastated by the shock of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. A leading voice for right has been silenced. I share their grief and have prayed fervently for Charlie’s young wife and children. But the battle for the hearts and souls of millions continues. Satan is raging because he knows his time is short. The Left is raging because, in the words of Jesus in John 3:19, it loves the darkness. (Why else would people take to social media to gloat over the murder of another human being?)
Those of us who know the Truth—not as a mere concept, but as a Person—must commit ourselves to joining the fight against evil and darkness. We must take a note from Charlie himself. My son-in-law pointed out to me that one of Charlie’s last social media posts cited Psalm 46:1, which says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” The next sentence is a call to action: “Therefore we will not fear.”
Let us mourn the loss of a bold and faithful servant of God. But let’s rise to the challenge of this moment and determine to be as dedicated to Truth and bold in its proclamation as Charlie was. Let’s refuse to tolerate the perpetuation of evil, even as we are known by our love for those ensnared in darkness and advocating wickedness.
My prayer is that God will inspire a million Charlie Kirks to be motivated to enter the arena and serve as watchmen and watchwomen (or what some would refer to as sheepdogs)—warning and rallying those around us to wake up while there is still time.
Finally, my prayer is that you’ll share this message of encouragement (for that is certainly what it is meant to be) with young people you know. Too many seasoned followers of Christ lament the waywardness of younger generations. Charlie Kirk is proof that God is still raising up faithful young men and women to serve Him in such a time as this. May He commission many more to speak His truth in this generation—warning the lost to embrace truth and flee from the wrath to come and into the loving arms of our Savior.
Godspeed, Charlie Kirk. Your joy is now complete. May we who remain on the Earth awaiting our soon-coming King serve with your same faithfulness and passion.
