Charlie Kirk - A Life Well Lived
We at ND Family Alliance are equally horrified and stirred to action by the assassination of Charlie Kirk. We shared the same biblical values and deep love for God and country. NDFA works to advance Faith, Family, and Freedom within the borders of North Dakota; Charlie did the same on a much greater scale throughout our nation, especially influencing younger generations.
While political violence should have absolutely no place in our nation, there are some in our country who, motivated by pure evil, seek to silence those who courageously proclaim truth in the public square. Charlie Kirk accepted those risks and refused to water down his message to make it more palatable to the other side. Instead, he lived obedient to the Gospel, living out its commands in 1 Peter 3:13-16,
“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats, do not be frightened. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
Charlie epitomized these mandates proclaimed by the Apostle Peter, and faithfully stood before countless crowds giving an answer for the hope that he had in Christ, and sharing that truth with droves of young people across our great nation. He tirelessly defended the faith and repeatedly showed love for his fellow man despite the hate that was often hurled in his direction.
Negative responses didn’t catch him off guard; rather, I know he took to heart the words of John 15:16-18, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” Charlie was truly an extraordinary bright light shining God’s truth into dark places.
Free speech in our society is imperative because we will never all agree on important issues. I’m reminded of the famous 1859 essay entitled “On Liberty” by John Stuart Mill, where he states, “the goal of speech must be the discovery and spread of truth.” We must respect the freedom of another to offer their own ideas, so that the real truth of the matter can come to light. Mill recognized that beliefs are likely to harden into stale and unreflective convictions, if not forced to constantly sharpen themselves against other viewpoints. Beliefs will either flourish or fail when put under regular testing.
There is no way to bring others from lies into truth unless they are genuinely persuaded, rather than simply silenced. The opportunity to discuss and debate is absolutely necessary. Charlie was a shining example of this civil discourse – something sadly lacking in our society today. Attempts to silence truth through violence, like the assassination of Charlie Kirk, WILL NOT succeed in their aim. In fact, they will backfire. The message of truth will prevail and be strengthened by individuals like you and organizations like ours, despite the best efforts of our enemies.
In everyday human interactions, we work to uphold the teachings of Jesus Christ and shine a light on His truth in our daily lives through Christian love for others. On the supernatural level, we know that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but there is activity beyond what our eyes can see, and that spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm are working hard against us.
Let’s endeavor together to follow Charlie’s example by putting on the full armor of God, boldly and courageously defending the faith, showing grace and love to our enemies because we are all made in God’s image, and sharing the hope of salvation with the lost that only comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
We at NDFA are so grateful for Charlie’s life and the impact he made for the Gospel, which will undoubtedly impact this nation for years to come. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, Erika, and his two precious children. Our prayers are with them through this incredibly difficult time. And yet we take comfort knowing that Charlie is in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!