RIP Charlie Kirk

Recently, I started watching videos of men who are essentially modern-day evangelists. Men who are going out and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in an intelligent manner. Not the least of these has been Charlie Kirk. Charlie spoke with people and used his intellect and knowledge of facts, statistics, and truth to cut through the emotional statements that are widely propagated today. Emotional statements that are misleading and meant to divide. His was a powerful voice meant to educate students and help them to see past divisive statements and to think for themselves.

Many times we trust the people on our televisions and computer screens to give us unbiased facts. Many times this trust is betrayed as the political talking heads only provide cherry-picked facts that fit their narrative. Facts that are not taken into context and are only meant to inflame public opinion, or "prove" they are right and the other side is wrong. I get tired of politics and the dividing garbage I see on the television night after night.

When I found out Charlie had been shot, I was shocked. When I learned he had passed away, I didn't want to believe it was true. I still don't. I see pictures of him and I initially want to believe he's still alive. I felt a sense of loss that I couldn't explain. There is a critique out there that we didn't mourn for others killed recently, but we have made a big deal over Charlie. The critique might be valid. Of course, their lives are not any less important. I pray that their families will be comforted as well. I can't explain the hows or the whys of the grieving emotion that swept over so many people, including myself. I only know that I and many others around the world will miss him. We welcomed Charlie onto our screens and he impacted many of us in big ways.

I never met Charlie Kirk. It is obvious however that the world has lost a great man. I watched a lady this week who is an atheist mourn him and cry during her podcast. She said that if Christianity is the way Charlie presented it, it is something she could believe. It is impressive how many people have come out and said how much they respect him even though they disagree with at least some of his statements.

We all need to be like Charlie and influence our small corners of the world. Not everyone is called to memorize facts and debate with people. We can build relationships with people around us and show loving care, compassion, and interest for the friends, coworkers, and strangers we see every day. People don't want to be seen as projects. They don't want to be on someone's conversion checklist. It is the sincerity we show to the people we care about that will draw them to Jesus Christ. If we show people we love them just because we love them, that is what will begin to change minds. After all, it is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance.

Rest in peace Charlie. I look forward to meeting you in heaven.

-- Pastor Neil