I read an interesting exchange between a democrat/liberal lady and a republican/conservative lady
about Charlie Kirk’s murder. The conservative lady was bemoaning the fact that, in her church, nothing
was said about Charlie Kirk during the service. The other lady was responding that too much has been
made of his killing while there wasn’t much outcry when two Democratic Minnesota lawmakers were
gunned down in their homes. Are their concerns valid?
To a point, they are. But there are logical reasons why neither should be too concerned. Let me deal
with the liberal lady first. There are basically two reasons why the murders were treated with different
levels of outrage and despair: Notoriety and effect. Charlie Kirk was a national figure. People all over
the United States (as well as around the world) had heard of him and had very strong views about the
things he said. The Minnesota lawmakers were limited in their public personalities and views to their
local state. Charlie Kirk had a tremendous effect in the college communities in which he spoke and
encouraged debate. Thousands and thousands of young people attended his gatherings and he had an
undoubtable effect on so many lives. Because of their particular responsibilities to their state, the
lawmakers…not so much. Please hear this: All of the murders deserve outrage and anger and the
perpetrators need to receive equal punishment or justice will not be served.
But should churches consider him a martyr? Charlie Kirk was, no doubt, a man of God who used his
platform to honor and lift up Christ. I’ve seen several times where he unabashedly gave his testimony
and proudly proclaimed his Christianity. There have been people saved right on college campuses.
However, he was doing what the Bible tells us all to do in our chosen workforce, family, and social
opportunities: “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’” (Matthew
10:7 NIV). And he did a spectacular job of it, probably the best I’ve seen. I respect Charlie Kirk and
I am amazed at what he accomplished as he journeyed across the nation to college campuses. I thank
God for him and I don’t know if we will ever see his like again very soon. I certainly hope we do. Our
nation needs it and the Christian community needs it. His faithfulness, courage, and boldness will be
sorely missed.
Say good things about your church and about your Savior.
about Charlie Kirk’s murder. The conservative lady was bemoaning the fact that, in her church, nothing
was said about Charlie Kirk during the service. The other lady was responding that too much has been
made of his killing while there wasn’t much outcry when two Democratic Minnesota lawmakers were
gunned down in their homes. Are their concerns valid?
To a point, they are. But there are logical reasons why neither should be too concerned. Let me deal
with the liberal lady first. There are basically two reasons why the murders were treated with different
levels of outrage and despair: Notoriety and effect. Charlie Kirk was a national figure. People all over
the United States (as well as around the world) had heard of him and had very strong views about the
things he said. The Minnesota lawmakers were limited in their public personalities and views to their
local state. Charlie Kirk had a tremendous effect in the college communities in which he spoke and
encouraged debate. Thousands and thousands of young people attended his gatherings and he had an
undoubtable effect on so many lives. Because of their particular responsibilities to their state, the
lawmakers…not so much. Please hear this: All of the murders deserve outrage and anger and the
perpetrators need to receive equal punishment or justice will not be served.
But should churches consider him a martyr? Charlie Kirk was, no doubt, a man of God who used his
platform to honor and lift up Christ. I’ve seen several times where he unabashedly gave his testimony
and proudly proclaimed his Christianity. There have been people saved right on college campuses.
However, he was doing what the Bible tells us all to do in our chosen workforce, family, and social
opportunities: “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’” (Matthew
10:7 NIV). And he did a spectacular job of it, probably the best I’ve seen. I respect Charlie Kirk and
I am amazed at what he accomplished as he journeyed across the nation to college campuses. I thank
God for him and I don’t know if we will ever see his like again very soon. I certainly hope we do. Our
nation needs it and the Christian community needs it. His faithfulness, courage, and boldness will be
sorely missed.
Say good things about your church and about your Savior.