It's Time to Step Up

As a Pastor, I have a deep desire to understand what is moving the hearts and minds of the people in my care. The Sunday after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, I took the opportunity to speak about what happened and how we as Christians need to respond.

The murder was a horrible act of violence that took a husband and father from his family. It has rightfully sparked a great deal of passionate discussion. Any response must be prayerfully considered, and as Christians, we must pause and reflect on our God-given purpose. Christ didn't sacrifice his life, rise again, and give us the Holy Spirit so that we could be passive observers. The mission Jesus gives us demands our engagement in a way that pleases God and furthers His kingdom.

1. Engage the Right Battle

Do we acknowledge the true nature of our struggle? We live in a fallen world where evil is real and at war against God and His people. The Bible is clear that this battle isn't just physical or political. Ephesians 6:12 says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Satan is determined to destroy and keep God from bringing salvation to as many as possible. To view the murder of an individual or any act of violence through a purely political lens is a mistake. It distracts us from the spiritual reality behind these acts: a deep-seated hatred for God and His word. As Jesus warned in John 15:18-19, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first... That is why the world hates you." Charlie Kirk held political views, but he also possessed a deep faith in Christ that positioned him as an enemy of the "dark world."

2. Respond but don't React

It is right to be angry at what we've witnessed—the death of a husband, the killing of innocent children in school shootings, the war in Gaza, the murder of Israelis, or the rise of political violence. Our pain should mirror the compassion of Christ, who was broken when He saw the suffering of all humanity. At the same time, we can be angry at sin that causes human suffering.

Scripture tells us, "Be angry and do not sin." This means we can possess a righteous anger—anger at the right things and in the right way. We align ourselves with the righteous anger of God when we see wickedness and violence.

For Christians, some responses are unacceptable. We are prohibited from seeking vengeance or expressing aggression. We are not to invoke the mob to the streets or online to fight back. Paul's command in Romans 12 is our guide:

"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

God has been warning us not to rationalize our sin because of the increasing evil all around us. In Isaiah 5, the prophet warned God’s people: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." Our world increasingly celebrates its rebellion against its creator every day and we should never join them. ,

3. Live Out Loud

There is a big difference between simply believing and being unashamed of the Gospel. When opportunities arise, we must speak plainly and lovingly about our beliefs, even in environments hostile to God's authority.

Many people believe but hide their faith out of fear. Yet, as Paul wrote to Timothy, "For God didn't give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." We are not called to be silent. Instead, we are called to speak the truth that has set us free and to live in a way that points others to Jesus Christ, compelled by our love for God and for a lost world. When Jesus "saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).

We are not called to lead a political or cultural battle, but for everyone who professes the name of Christ, our marching orders are clear.

"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." (1 Peter 3:15-16)

Let us engage the world, not with political fury, but with the power, love, and self-discipline of the Holy Spirit, shining the light of Christ in the darkest of times.

Al Rossi BS, THM