The murder of Charlie Kirk was a shock and a wakeup call to me yesterday. Just in the past few weeks my wife and I have enjoyed listening to some of his talks to young people, so the loss felt more personal and real.
Death is a true thief, something that brutally shatters the illusion that everything is right in the world, forcing us to reckon with the reality of evil, our own mortality, and the question of eternity.
When someone is killed because of their desire to take a stand for their convictions and faith in Jesus, it begs the question, “What would it take to stop me from pursuing the mission God has given me?”
As Christians we shouldn’t be shocked by persecution and hostility. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18)
It is tempting to think that if we want to live out our faith by farming for the glory of God, the good of others and the land, everyone will applaud and respect us.
But if we are taking a stand for real truth, whether we are called to do that in the political or agricultural arena, we will threaten the kingdom of darkness and experience resistance.
The spiritual battle is real and manifests itself in the real stuff of our everyday lives, and we must not pretend that it doesn’t exist or draw the lines in the wrong places.
I am grateful for Charlie’s example of courage and boldness. He was an imperfect man who loved Jesus and was willing to let God use him even if it made him vulnerable to accusation and attack.
We may not be called to the same unique mission as Charlie Kirk, but whatever role we are given to play, have we counted the cost and are we willing to stand to the end?
“You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22
(originally posted on Facebook September 11, 2025)
Looks like we’re, once more, living in a time of martyrs.
May our Lord guide our hearts, attitudes, and actions toward the good, regardless of the cost.