I have been asked about how to respond to the wicked assassination of Charlie Kirk while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at a college in Utah. While evil people will be glad he is no longer around to challenge their worldviews even if giving lip service against violence in our society, those who love truth and righteousness will have a different mixture of emotions. It starts with shock that someone would murder him, and especially in that manner at a public event. That will be followed by profound grief for his wife, two young daughters, family, friends, supporters and organization. For most, this will be followed by righteous anger toward the perpetrator and then toward all those that are supportive of the vile hatred against Mr. Kirk and those like him who stand firmly for truth and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The question is what response should follow such anger? This was yet another act of terrorism that is no longer a rare event in our society. The purpose of terrorists is to create fear that will immobilize their opponents. In this case, you too could get killed, so don’t dare publically uphold truth and reality, challenge the false beliefs of secularists, and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Cancel culture worked because the threat became enough to get people to self censor and curtail their opposition out of fear of suffering some kind of persecution. That is the wrong response. Jesus told His followers to expect tribulation in this world, but that there would be blessing in being persecuted for the sake of righteousness and his names sake (John 16:33; Matthew 5:1-12). It is also the wrong response to vent that anger in violence. The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God (James 1:20).
The proper response is to emulate Charlie Kirk’s example. He was courageous to talk with people who held divergent and even opposite beliefs of his own in order present them with the truth and seek to persuade them to change their minds. If enough minds are changed, the society and culture is also changed. That was his long term goal. He was not afraid of the questions and challenges presented to him. He could calmly answer them with logic, reason and Scripture. He wanted his conversations to be a turning point for them. He took reasonable precautions, but did not let even death threats keep him from fulfilling his purpose. Ultimately, he had to leave his life in the hands of the Lord, for He is the one that determines our days (Job 14:5).
The proper response is to build on Charlie Kirk’s legacy. Be genuinely concerned even for those who consider you to be their enemy. Strive to enlighten the ignorant and correct the foolish so that they can become wise. Be courageous even when opposed. Stand firmly on truth and speak it in love. Work in cooperation with others to be part of something much bigger than yourself. Never be ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation for Jew & Gentile alike, and there is no true change without it.
Charlie Kirk is a martyr. May his blood prove to be fertilizer that enables something even greater to grow that will honor the Lord Jesus Chris and prove to be a turning point in our wayward nation.
Pastor Scott L. Harris
Grace Bible Church
Wappingers Falls, NY
(See also: When Tragedy Strikes)