My previous English teachers and journalism advisors would cringe at such a bland and boring title.  Still, that’s probably the best heading for this post.  In it I will share some of my observations regarding the murder of Charlie Kirk. 

They aren’t all of my thoughts on the matter.  And maybe they aren’t the most important or even the most valid thoughts in the big picture.  But they are “some thoughts.”

Let me state up front that I don’t agree with all of Charlie Kirk’s political statements in the past, all of the arguments he made, or all of the theology he iterated.  But I wholeheartedly agree with the passion and commitment to Jesus that he demonstrated.

I’m not nearly as eloquent as many who have already shared their perspectives and offered their tributes.  And I’ll certainly repeat some things that have already been said.  Nevertheless, here are a few thoughts I’ll share:

People have tossed around different terms for what occurred – some calling it murder, others an assassination, and still others martyrdom. It was all of the above.  A man (a son, husband, and father) was murdered, a political activist was assassinated, and a passionate advocate for Jesus was martyred.  No matter how you describe the event, it was horrible and deplorable.  (Exodus 20:3).

How has America become a place where someone … anyone! … can draw the conclusion that it is OK (or even necessary) for one person to kill another person who happens to hold a different point of view?  It seems as if it is because of the very thing Charlie Kirk was arguing – that much of our society has lost their moral compass because they have abandoned God and God’s principles.  (Matthew 22:29).

From what I have learned about the man, he definitely cared a great deal about politics, and obviously was extremely involved in the political scene. But by his own statements, repeatedly made, he cared even more about his Savior.  He wanted to be known and remembered as a devoted soldier of the Savior.  (Philippians 3:8)  I commend him for this.

I greatly admire his courage. To repeatedly put oneself “out there” in front of thousands of people and unapologetically argue – adamantly yet calmly, logically and effectively – for Jesus is beyond admirable.  (1 Peter 3:15).  Especially in this divided society.

Scripture clearly teaches that it is the Holy Spirit that brings faith and changes hearts through the living and powerful word of God.  (Romans 1:16, Hebrews 4:12).  This is the only way to be converted.  (1 Corinthians 12:3).  But sometimes logical arguments can break down mental and emotional barriers.  Charlie was very gifted at demolishing arguments against Biblical truths.  (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).  AND he often quoted God’s Word.

It seems clear that Charlie recognized he was a target … spiritually, figuratively and literally. He knew he was at risk, and that in our current culture of violence, some would go to great lengths to silence him.  But still he continued to openly share Jesus and God’s principles in front of thousands of people (both those who supported and opposed his views) – almost like he was compelled to do so.  (Jeremiah 20:9).

Some would call him foolish.  Others would call him brave.  Perhaps he was just “called.”  Perhaps he was God’s chosen instrument to reach and spiritually awaken many of the youth of our nation?  No one can deny the draw he had and the impact he made … especially with the college-aged generation.

Why would the Lord allow such a passionate, articulate, knowledgeable and Godly man … a man who had the ears of many of the younger generation, and who argued so effectively for the cross and Godly principles … to be taken out? Who can know the mind of God (Isaiah 55:8-9), other than knowing God is always acting in love (1 John 4:16) and with the larger spiritual picture in view.  (Romans 8:28).

Maybe it was because Charlie Kirk’s death will do more to influence America than his influential living would have done?

Will this spark the spiritual revolution that so many of us have been longing for?  Will this fan a spiritual flame that has been dwindling and even dying out?  There may well be a spiritual army that arises from this horrific event – an army inspired by one man’s courage and devotion to Biblical truths – an army that refuses to acquiesce to the lies of the Enemy any longer.  Perhaps Evil miscalculated when it thought removing a great advocate for the Lord would quiet the godly uprising.  Perhaps instead a huge mass of believers will be newly inspired to stand up for the God of the Bible.  (Psalm 85:6).

Regardless, this feels like a turning point in our nation’s history. I can’t help but think that this is a precursor to something much greater.  Either a spiritual army for the Lord will be raised to take a stand and push back against the lies, or evil will overwhelm.

Make no mistake; if God’s people in the United States don’t arise in righteous and outright dedication to the Lord, (more like Charlie Kirk), the spiritual and moral climate of our nation will only get worse.

Furthermore, there will come a time … perhaps much sooner than expected … when it won’t only be the well-known, public and adamant advocates of Jesus who will be killed in this nation, but quiet Christians too.  (Matthew 24:9).  It’s already happening in other places in the world.  Do not doubt that Satan has the same goal for here. The persecution level has already been rising exponentially.

I believe our country is heading toward a civil war. We are already well on our way to that sad reality.  It’s a war … not over land, position, prosperity, education level, skin color, nationality or even politics … but over basic morality.  Right and wrong.  God’s Ten Commandments.  AND over the identity of the true God (the Triune God of the Bible!), how he feels about us (he loves us!), what he has done for us (he’s saved us!), and what he expects of us (to live in thankfulness for him!).  (John 15:18-21).

And even if more and more of us do boldly stand up for our faith, the time may still come when we face martyrdom as well. But for me, if that’s the way the Lord is going to bring me home to him, I’d rather go on to him while boldly proclaiming him than meekly hoping I’m not noticed.  (1 Peter 2:19).  Heaven is my home; I’m just a “foreigner and stranger” here.  (Hebrews 11:13-16).

Finally, do not doubt for a second that we are in the “final days.” Jesus himself told us that things would go from bad to worse to almost unbearable in this world before he returns.  Satan will be allowed to have more impact as the Last Day draws closer.  We are seeing it.  We are living it.  Spiritual forces of evil definitely seem to be gaining more victories lately.  As we get closer to the end of this current world, they’ll win even more of those battles.  (Matthew 24:6-14, 21-22).

But don’t stop spiritually fighting for Jesus!  Because when the Lord is on our side, we will win the war.  (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Heaven awaits.  Fight boldly until the Lord brings us there.

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Ephesians 6

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 

 ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

 ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. 

With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.