Last week the world was rocked by the assassination of Charlie Kirk. What has this world come to that a 22-year-old publicly executes someone for simply sharing the love of Christ? I did not personally know Charlie, but his message, conveyed through his platform and organization, aligns with many of my own beliefs. The way of Christ was the truth. But truth unfortunately, comes with a price. For some, it’s ridicule, separation, or, in Charlie’s case, the ultimate price through martyrdom. But what if we were faced with the same situation? Would we die for the gospel of Jesus Christ? Would we die for the truth? The Bible states, “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5: 7-8 NIV.
Charlie clearly believed in dismantling the lies told in our schools, higher education institutes, in our government, and in society. The lies that we don’t need God, faith, or even a defined family structure. That we can change our gender, that every other religion is acceptable except Christianity. If you define truth, right, and wrong, you’re labeled a hater, judgmental, or now a fascist. Everyone else can voice their unhinged opinions or made-up facts, no proof needed, and it’s acceptable. We are told we need to be tolerant. But as soon as you proclaim Jesus is Lord, it’s over…There is no tolerance or level of acceptance. In fact, you’re placed in a category at times worse than the most heinous criminal. Why would proclaiming the name of Jesus, His love, His truth, provoke such rage, such controversy, if it were all lies? Why would anyone risk it all for their belief in Jesus? Why would anyone go out of their way to tell people about God’s love, grace, and mercy? For years, people have tried to shut down the message of the cross; most of Jesus’ disciples died horrible deaths for their beliefs in Him. Why? Because of the truth. Once you have received a revelation of God’s love, grace, and mercy, you cannot help but share who God is, His plan for redeeming mankind by His sacrifice on the cross. That no matter who you are, and what you have done, turning away from sin and accepting what Jesus did on the cross will transform your life. The lie is that Christianity is intolerable and judgmental, but in reality, true freedom, peace, and love come through Jesus Christ. You don’t have to live in depression. You don’t have to live confused, rejected, or an outcast from your family or society. You don’t have to live in dysfunction, in relationships that are unfulfilling, or simply lonely. Although Charlie worked in the political arena, his life’s focus was Jesus, family, and proclaiming truth, through dismantling the lies and educating people, young and old.
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but it’s really never too late to turn to Jesus. You can experience change no matter your age or where you are in life. Because Jesus truly loves you, and as the Bible states, “…Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Pet 3:9 NIV. The Gospel of Jesus polarizes this world as it forces us to consider our life, our belief system. Jesus either is who He says He is, or it’s all a lie.
If Jesus is who he says He is…would you give up your life, your comforts, your first-world issues, to proclaim truth? Would you be willing to do what Charlie did and not compromise the truth?
We are all sinners and in desperate need of God’s forgiveness, love, and mercy. Change starts with a decision to invite Jesus into our lives:
Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins, and that You rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and ask You to come into my heart and life, in Jesus’ name. Amen.