Whether or not you previously knew of Charlie Kirk, it would be impossible not to know of him today. Rarely—if ever—has the death of someone who was neither an elected official nor a decorated soldier ignited such a wave of public response. My social media feed has been flooded with tributes, news reports, and reflections. Clearly, Charlie’s voice and courage were making a difference.
But Charlie Kirk was more than a bold voice in a cultural moment. He was a young husband and father who knew Christ, loved his country, and stood unashamedly for truth.
On Wednesday, Charlie was martyred for his faith and his courageous stand. There is no other way to put it. He was assassinated because of what he believed—and for refusing to be silent about those beliefs.
Charlie’s life was marked by qualities worth appreciating and remembering. He gave a clear testimony of salvation—publicly affirming his faith in Jesus Christ alone and urging others to trust Him as well. If you’ve watched Charlie’s videos over the years, it’s evident that he was growing in the Word. In a video I’ve seen posted many times this week, he was asked how he would want to be remembered. His response: “I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important.”
The one time I heard Charlie speak in person, I was astounded at his grasp of history as well as his ability to connect that history with the biblical truths that undergird liberty.
Charlie also took an unashamed stand on moral issues. He saw the world more clearly than the shallow categories of partisan politics. Rather, he recognized the spiritual realities of good and evil, truth and error, right and wrong.
In a day when Christian convictions (if they can be called that) are often held privately and Christians are urged to accept the growing tide of secularism and paganism in our country with an attitude of resignation, Charlie spoke plainly and publicly. He called sin what it was. He called out pastors leaning to woke philosophies and urged them to confront the sins of our day with the Word of God.
Charlie’s faith motivated him to make a difference. To that end, Charlie poured his astounding energy into reaching young people. He held hundreds of Turning Point USA events on college campuses. These events included an open-mic format where he engaged students’ intellects and challenged the moral assumptions of students who held views opposite his own. Although these events were primarily developed around patriotism, he often shared his faith and his wish for those students to know Christ.
It was at one of these events this week that Charlie was martyred. He stood strong and gave his young life for God and country.
Charlie’s legacy must not end with admiration. It must continue through action.
Charlie Kirk’s legacy must not end with admiration. It must continue through action. Share on XWhat can Christians do in response to this remarkable life and tragic loss?
1. Pray for the Kirk family. Pray for Charlie’s wife Erika, their two children, and the entire family. Ask the Lord to surround them with His comfort and sustaining grace in this time of grief (2 Corinthians 1:3–4).
2. Pray for our country. I’ve said for years that America is either headed for anarchy or revival. The growing lawlessness and vitriol reveal how far we have drifted from the fear of God. Our nation needs divine intervention. Pray that God would send revival, for He has promised, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
3. Share the gospel. Politics and politicians come and go. Political moments rise and fall. But only Christ can change a life from the inside out. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Charlie knew and proclaimed this truth. If we would honor his testimony, we must share the gospel with boldness and compassion.
4. Reach young people for Christ. One of the remarkable aspects of Charlie’s life was his ability to engage Gen Z and Generation Alpha. And by every objective measure, he was reaching them. His life is proof that the next generation is not closed to truth or reason. But they must be engaged with courage and clarity. Share the gospel in Bible clubs, on college campuses, and in everyday conversations. We must, “Go, stand and speak…to the people all the words of this life” (Acts 5:20).
5. Encourage conservative legislators and leaders. Charlie’s assassination is a startling reminder of the hatred that those who stand for truth and biblical values often face. If you are served by a conservative, Bible-believing official, encourage them. And for all leaders—whether you agree with them or not—pray for them. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:1–2).
Charlie’s testimony leaves us with a sobering reminder and a pressing challenge: Too many Christians today seem to be operating from the unspoken question: “Is it safe?” Before taking a strong, biblical stand in a public way, they consider the risks. They wonder if it is safe to speak truth, to live boldly, to stand on biblical principles.
Charlie’s martyrdom gives us a sobering answer. No, it’s not safe. But asking if it is safe is the wrong question. The real question is this: “Is it important?” And the answer to that question is yes. Eternally, unshakably, yes.
The life and testimony of Charlie Kirk remind us that what matters most is not safety, but truth. May his example stir us to live unashamed of Christ and His gospel and to boldly stand on the unchanging truths of God’s Word.
