Charlie Kirk: A Christian's Response
I didn’t know a lot about Charlie Kirk until his untimely death a couple of weeks ago. I had seen videos and clips of him but quickly judge him as another Ben Shapiro or Steven Crowder. Little did I know of his faith or his belief in Christianity. It’s not often you find a public figure to be so evangelical and willing to share the gosepl. But after his murder, I began to think about his life and what he stood for. Did he desire war with his enemies? Victory over them? Or did he simply focus on the opportunity to have a conversation in order to win them over to Christ?
With the voices of conservatives and Christians urging to take action, I began to ask myself “What more can I do?”
As I wrestled with this question, I also kept hearing words and phrases that concerned me. Not only from Christian perspectives but from Americans. The words of war, fighting back until we have victory, it makes me question “Is this what Jesus would have wanted?”
As a believer in Christ I have to think Christians should respond differently.
I was reminded of this passage from 1 Peter 3:13-17,
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it’s better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
There are three ways Christians should respond to the evil that is in the world and the hatred towards Christianity.
Suffer with Blessing
First, to recognize suffering comes with blessing. We think suffering doesn’t have value, but where there is suffering, there is growth and pruning of your soul. The words of James should echo in your ears.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)
The suffering and mourning of the family of Charlie Kirk and Turning Point is great, but God’s sovereignty and his goodness is upon them.
Do Not Fear
Secondly, we should not fear those who persecute us. When the world spats against us or harms us, we shouldn’t respond with offense but with defense. We are called not to fear those nor be troubled, but through our conduct we should honor Christ!
The words we speak, the way we handle ourselves in times of persecution should seek to glorify God and not ourselves.
As Peter said we are called to prepare to make a defense for our faith but we shall do this with gentleness and respect. The enemy does not like this because when we do this God receives all the glory!
Our opponents cannot attack our character when we imitate the character of Christ. A good defense is always a good offense.
Do Good, Not Evil
Finally, it’s better to suffer for doing good and not do evil. It‘s better to do the will of God even if that means to suffer for a short period of time. Charlie Kirk was more concerned with doing the will of God than the suffering he endured.
The rhetoric you see online would have you believe that conservatives and Christians want to war with the other side until there is total victory. Friends, Christ has already won, and he is sitting on his throne waiting for God to command him to return to take his children home.
But if you believe in your heart that you can truly honor Christ by debating the other side with love, then grace and peace be with you! I would encourage you to follow how the Lord leads you as long as you are doing it for His glory and not your own.
Christians, we shouldn’t be after the defeat of those who oppose us, but we should be after the repentance of our neighbors and salvation for their souls. We must imitate Christ and treat them with gentleness and respect for the glory of God.
I want to be clear that I don’t condemn the politician or activist that has called them to share the love of Christ through public office. Nor do I discourage debates and openly talking about our faith with those who disagree with you. But I want to make sure you ask yourself, “What is my motivation for doing this?” Is it to glorify God or yourself?
Christians, it’s time for us to stop being passive in our work places and in our communities. It’s time to stop fearing the world and those who oppose our views. Stop feeling ashamed for your beliefs about God.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written. “The righteous shall live by faith.” - Romans 1:16-17
If Charlie Kirk’s life is to remind of us of anything, it’s to be bold in proclaiming the gospel to the world that needs Christ. Our responds to our neighbors should be with love and respect but by sharing the truth of scripture with the hope of them repenting and turning to Christ, the comfort for our souls.