It didn't take long. Less than a week after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the dark side has rallied its physical and spiritual troops to continue their torrent of hate and misrepresentation of those who have chosen to honor Charlie's life as a brother in Christ. Whether they agreed with him or not on his politics or opinions of the culture, millions saw him as a human being with God-given rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Charlie was definitely pursuing what made him happy. He felt the call of God on his life to encourage this generation to think for themselves; to live a righteous and Godly life; and to speak boldly and courageously about saving this country, incorporating their faith into every thing they do and say. I honestly think that Satan was surprised and shocked at the response of millions who rallied to the memory of Charlie and what he stood for. I think it knocked the kingdom of darkness back on its heels. But within just a few days, the attacks began in earnest ... the laughing and mocking of his brutal death; the vile remarks began showing up on social media; and the deluded and deceived began making personal attacks, whitewashing any and all who honored Charlie with a broad brush of racism, misogyny, and hatred because we have different opinions. To make matters even more offensive, their accusations were false. And incredibly saddening, many of these anti-Charlie critics identify themselves as "Christians".
I know this, because I have recently [but not surprisingly] been attacked for my thoughts on the impact of Charlie's life and death. It was the very epitome of Matthew 24:12, And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many will grow cold. I was shocked to read the message I received because it came from someone whom my husband and I had kind of taken under our wing and ministered to; allowing Jesus to use us to deliver them from emotional trauma [and all that results from that kind of pain] into the glorious freedom of His love. There has been no contact for several years and then the email arrives painting us in a false light and criticizing us for being hateful followers of Charlie Kirk, who was categorized as racist, misogynist, and a hypocrite in his faith. It didn't take long to understand that trying to have a rational conversation was only increasing the harsh rhetoric. There was no desire for reconciliation; only a lust for condemnation.
I should have made no effort to answer the first time, and just ignored the angry outburst. I naively hoped that I could present our case and understanding would win the day. I am not going to share my thoughts about what was behind the attack, because I am not going to plant seeds of hate that are being sown into our citizenry by Satan and his minions. Instead, I want to caution everyone to prepare for similar aggression and hostility. It is a form of persecution that, I believe, will grow stronger and wider in the days to come. If we are truly followers of Christ, then we must come to understand that this was prophesied by our Lord, Himself... 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... this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated Me without reason."
Understand this: you will be hated without reason. But God has chosen you to be in the world at this time for a reason. Like Charlie, we are all here to represent Jesus in a world that is growing cold and dangerous. How will we respond? We know, as the Bible informs us, that people will be lovers of self and self-focused [narcissistic], lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, unholy and profane, unloving [and devoid of human affection], brutal, haters of good, and much more [2 Timothy 3:2-5]. So, again, I ask -- how will you respond? We saw how Charlie chose to answer his critics -- with boldness, facts, and a spirit that enjoyed debate, always ending the conversation by glorifying his God, whom he served with delight and courage. The end of 2 Timothy, Chapter 3 tells us to "Avoid such people and keep far away from them."
Now, I believe that advice is given to us when there is still a chance to circumvent the hatred, and restore harmony between the parties. But I also believe that the Enemy does not want that to occur in the aftermath of this assassination, and has unleashed a new level of iniquity and willful rebellion against God and His people. I pray harmony and reconciliation can be restored, but I don't think that is Satan's plan. In response, God gives us 2 Timothy, Chapter 4: He charges us to "preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not -- keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable; whether convenient or inconvenient; whether welcome or unwelcome." Subsequently, we are "to correct, in love, those who err either in doctrine or behavior; warn those who sin; exhort and encourage those who are growing toward spiritual maturity with inexhaustible patience and faithful teaching".
We are already seeing signs of what the Bible calls "the time to come" when people won't tolerate God's Truth, but will only listen to false teachers and prophets who satisfy their own desires, and who support the errors and deceptions they are holding onto. They will adopt the narrative that is spoon-fed to them by Satan's partners in the arena of public discourse -- those man-made arguments and false indictments that will keep the masses stirred up and in emotional turmoil. But what does Jesus tell us to do? He cautions us in 2 Timothy 4:5 to "be clear-headed [and calm and cool and steady] in every situation; to endure every hardship [without flinching]; to do the work of an evangelist; and to fulfill [the duties of] our ministry".
Jesus, Himself, accomplished this task as He neared His crucifixion and death. And I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say that Charlie Kirk fulfilled that same purpose. We are to do the same. I don't think we can deny that iniquity is abounding in this moment, or that the love of many of our fellow citizens has grown cold. I am spending some serious time with the Lord struggling with how to manage my flesh over the Evilness and Lawlessness that resulted in Charlie Kirk's assassination, and how to endure the false accusations over the intentions of my heart. Matthew 24 assures us that if we stand firm and endure until the end, we will be saved from the wrath of God against the rebellious and receive the hope and promise that we will dwell with Him for eternity. Furthermore, the Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations.
So, how am I going to respond? Forgiveness has to be an essential part of my response, as hard as it is for my flesh to accomplish that in those moments when the world's attacks are strongest. And prayer will be a part of my process, as well. My neighbors, who are good, Godly people soothed my soul and spirit when they remarked that sometimes, the best thing we can do is pray for those people who are rebelling against the Kingdom and trust God to do what we cannot. Amen to that! And Lord, may we all glorify You in these difficult and dangerous days. May we be bold and courageous in our faith, as Your Servants were at the dawn of Christianity.
Acts 4:29-30 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to Your servants to continue to speak Your Word with all boldness, while you stretch out Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the Name of Your Holy Servant [and Son] Jesus.
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