The horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk last week has left many of us shocked and bewildered, and some scared. His life ended way too soon. I offer my condolences to his family. As we all process his appalling murder, I want to offer some thoughts and I hope some encouragement. I do not normally comment on politics directly because my responsibility is to teach and admonish and care for the flock entrusted to me. In that charge I am given, the Scriptures provide sufficient basis for all manners of life and faith, and inform decisions and views the church ought to have in all things. With that said, there are times when certain events need particular guidance and counsel. In light of Charlie’s murder and the increase of political violence in our country, this is one of those times.
To begin with, Charlie’s assassination is murder, of which God calls sin (Exodus 20:13). Regardless of the surrounding circumstances, background of those directly involved, or political views, all murder is sin. Political violence is not a valid means to remove an opponent who disagrees, no matter how divergent their view may be. It is a wicked and weak act that deserves justice. I pray that justice will be served appropriately and rightly.
I have to admit before his death I only scarcely knew of Charlie Kirk. I saw him as a political pundit. A Conservative organizer who produced YouTube videos and had a podcast. An area that constantly changes and is only temporary, especially when measured with the eternal weight of God and his glory. This last week I have learned that he had an immense following, numbered in the millions, and it was international. He was a husband and father. We grieve and pray for his wife and children. And he is a Christian. This is why I am compelled to write.
There are those who are calling Charlie Kirk a Christian martyr. They compare him to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor who bravely opposed the Nazis during World War 2 and gave his life for the sake of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Over the last week I have since watched and listened to podcasts where Charlie confessed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It was clear, biblical, and it seemed sincere. He was public about his faith in Jesus Christ, and he was killed for his adherence to him. Because of that I do think Charlie Kirk is a martyr.
While I do not think I would agree with all of Charlie’s doctrinal positions, we do not have to be in complete alignment in secondary and tertiary doctrines to consider a person a brother or sister in Christ. Public repentance of sin and confession of faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ as described in the Bible, are the marks of a Christian (Mark 1:14-15). Thus far in my research Charlie’s confession fits this definition. And it seems that Charlie’s faith became more and more important to him in recent years, and became part of his tours and debates, even a concerted part of his organization. Thus, growing in his faith (another sign of sanctification taking place).
In his wife’s first public comments, in describing her husband she said, “Two days ago, my husband, Charlie, went to see the face of his Savior and his God. Charlie always said that when he was gone, he wanted to be remembered for his courage and for his faith. One of the final conversations that he had on this earth, my husband witnessed for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Now and for all eternity, he will stand at his Savior’s side, wearing the glorious crown of a martyr.” What a tremendous description of a follower of Jesus Christ. This is what we all should want as our legacy!
She went on to say, “But most of all, Charlie loved his children. And he loved me with all of his heart. And I knew that. Every day I knew that. He made sure I knew that every day. Every day he would ask me, “How can I serve you better? How can I be a better husband? How can I be a better father?” Every day.” (YouTube video, time stamp beginning at 16:41, https://www.youtube.com/live/e5SHpvRYg_o?si=4JzwVWY0utjC-G9T) Again, this should be a description of all husbands and fathers in the church.
While Charlie’s death is tragic, it is not senseless. Since his death, it is reported that millions more have searched his videos about faith and Jesus, have heard him share and defend his faith, and more people went to a worship service this past Sunday. This does not mean that more people have converted to Christianity. Attendance does not equate to saving faith. What it does mean is that many more people heard the gospel message. The gospel seed was planted, and we can pray for the Lord to water and cause growth.
Yes, Charlie Kirk was murdered. Yes, it is awful. Yes, our country seems to be at a crossroads. But Charlie’s life and death are not in vain. As a follower of Jesus Christ, Charlie is present with the Lord, forever. God is with Erika, his widow, and his children. And for us, we can carry on the good news of Jesus Christ. The great message that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). And for us husbands and fathers, we can strive to love our wife and children as much as Charlie loved his.
Politics will come and go, but “[God] has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). May this inspire all of us to fuse together our faith with our lives in the public square. May we be as bold in our faith as Charlie was. And like Charlie, one day our faith will be turned to sight. May others join us and know the joy of Jesus regardless how our earthly lives end.