I’m not an avid political debater. And I won’t be. That is not my strength or where my Father in Heaven has called me. When Charlie Kirk passed away, I had to revisit some of his videos. I had only seen a few random ones, but my curiosity was sparked.
What I saw amazed me. He spread the gospel of Christ everywhere he went. He had an approach not everyone would agree with. However, I was struck by the fact that he entered a world of challenges that most wouldn’t dare approach. He entered their world and spoke the truth, while giving everyone else a chance to communicate their ideas. Was he perfect? No, and I’m not sure I agreed with everything he said. However, he was bold and fierce, and I believe it was because he walked in the power of Christ Jesus. This reminded me of what Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:20-23.
What shocks and saddens me most is the reaction of so many who are either thankful he died, laughing at the situation, or apathetic to his death. I can’t know their hearts and why, but I think part of it is because he served a political party with which they disagreed. Part of it is because he preached the truth in Jesus Christ, spreading the gospel.
I am saddened by those who are thankful he is dead because he spread views they disagreed with. I have to ask. Are you a professing Christian? And if so, are you really a believer if you are grateful that he is dead? Are you actually siding with the killer? Did you think we were playing a game? This is wickedness!
Then I look at myself. I look at the party I affiliate with, and I think sadly of all the name-calling, the mockery, and the disgust that happened in my party as well. How often was Biden made a mockery of? How often were terrible memes made of him? How frequently did I, myself, laugh? I’m ashamed. This was sin.
I’m not even talking about unbelievers here. The message of the cross of Jesus Christ is foolishness to those who are perishing; therefore, they will mock anyway. (1 Corinthians 1:18) I’m talking to those of you who are professing Christians. To us who are being saved, it is the power of God!
And in all this, I’m questioning and wrestling with some things. Are we saved if we don’t know and allow God’s power to work within us? Are we saved if we are not walking with repentant hearts, ready to lay down our lives for Him? Are we counting the cost? Do we remember that following him is more than mere talk? Do we walk according to the Spirit or according to our fleshy desires, wants, thoughts, attitudes, and selfish decisions? Romans 8:5-11 (Do not forget that the Lord told us that there will be many who claim they did all kinds of things (prophets, teachers, healers, etc) for the Lord, and yet he will say he never knew them! Matthew 7:21-23)
We judge the world, but we are also the problem. We who call ourselves Christians, believers in the faith, and yet sin right along with everyone else in the way we respond to people, mock, mimic other mockers. How do we treat our neighbors? Or our family members? How do we treat anyone who disagrees with our ideals? How do we respond when we feel attacked by anyone? I am trembling as I write.
Church, we have got to wake up. We are just as much at sin, no matter what side we affiliate with, as the next person. When we join in the mockery, when we taunt and block others for not seeing our point of view, when we judge others yet refuse to look at our own sin, we are just as wrong. We need to allow the Lord to search our hearts truly. Who battles with pride? Who thinks they are better than others on the “other side?” Who looks down on others who sin, while brushing off their own private sins behind closed doors? Who says one thing and does another? Who reacts and retaliates when attacked by others? Who claims righteousness, yet has filthy language? Who lacks self-control with their eating or overuses medications? Who is impatient with someone? Who overspends? Who exaggerates or tells lies?
“There is no one righteous. No, not one. No one seeks God. All have turned aside and become worthless….” Romans 3:10-12 paraphrased
If any good came out of Charlie Kirk’s death, it is this: I want to live better for the Lord. I want to lay off everything that is hindering my walk right now. (see Hebrews 12:1-3) I am tired of my own excuses and fears, which have prevented me from following Christ’s calling in my life. I have gifts to share. I have work to do. I have a race to keep running until the Lord decides to call me home. I have younger generations to live a healthy example for, to show what it means to live for Christ and die to the flesh! Sometimes that means I have to “do it scared,” all the while Christ tells us repeatedly not to fear, because He is with us. Sometimes that means being vulnerable and willing to share our needs with others, asking for prayer. Because oh how we need to support and encourage and strengthen one another to fight the good fight of faith!
Church, we need revival. We need to change our apathetic, religious, and prideful ways before it is too late. It’s time to stop playing church and be kingdom participants. It’s time to repent. Honestly confess. Allow the Holy Spirit to move within our hearts, changing us intentionally and miraculously. It’s time to be bold and courageous, remembering we fight not flesh and blood but principalities of evil—Ephesians 6:10-13. We must do our part with great intention and good choice.
And friends, it’s past time to be better encouragers of the gospel rather than wasting our lives tearing down others who don’t follow the same political agenda we have.
Jesus is coming. Soon.
PRAY WITH ME: Lord Jesus, help me. For I am weak, but you are strong! The enemy battles with your true church so often. We, as a church, your kingdom, desperately need you! Your kingdom come, your will be done among us. Revive the sleeping church. Please have mercy on us! Reveal to each individual our sins and guide us into repentance by your great compassion. You are a God of compassion and will forgive as far as the east is from the west! Thank you for sending your son, Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!
Be with Erika Kirk and her little ones. Please give them the strength they need in the days to come. Shower them with your outpouring of love. I pray for your power to rest fully within her so that she may carry on whatever work you still have planned in her journey with you. Give her the daily rest and space to grieve as she needs. Help her find quiet places away from public scrutiny where she can breathe freely. May she heal and be bold and fierce like a lioness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.