By Robert Crysler
Who is Charlie Kirk? If you had asked me that six or more weeks ago I would have had to say “I don’t know.” However, after his assassination my attention, like that of so many others, was turned to him. I soon found him to be a man of deep conviction both in his faith and in his conservative values.
Many of us can have deep convictions in our faith and in our conservative values. However, few of us are likely to be as vocal and outspoken regarding those values as Charlie was. The scriptures are clear however. Jesus states in Matthew 10: 32-33 (NLV) 32“Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.
I’m certain all of us wish to be acknowledged by Jesus before the Father. I know I have said I’m just not the kind of person who can speak boldly about my faith. But Charlie set an example for us of doing just that. From what I understand from videos I have watched and articles I have read, Charlie received warnings from security forces and death threats many times. Yet he chose to go on and speak to student gatherings and speak about values very contrary to what many of these students held. My point is that he faced danger and possible death and yet did not withdraw nor did he deny his Savior.
What an example and a role model he is for all of us. I won’t say that I have become as bold as Charlie, but he has inspired me to be bolder in proclaiming my faith and my beliefs. And the more I speak boldly for our Lord, the easier it is for me to do so.
Read what Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma said before a Turning Point USA meeting at the University of Oklahoma. Stitt told attendees they could live out Kirk’s legacy by choosing boldness. “It’s what Charlie would have wanted you to do,” he said. “Keep fighting for our God-given freedoms.” https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2025/10/16/turning-point-usa-tpusa-ou-russell-brand-savannah-chrisley-charlie-kirk/86731444007/
Beyond the boldness, it seems that Charlie had a way of encountering and interacting with people that was respectful and truly engaging. This included those who opposed his views. Although he was bold, he did not hammer people over the head, but engaged in serious discussion with a calmness that disarmed many of those who disagreed with him. We would do well to learn this lesson in addition to the boldness. People will never be won over by my insistence that I am right and the other person is wrong.
All of this requires control of our emotions. Yes, I get fired up at times by liberals who believe things that, to me, simply don’t make any sense. But if I allow my emotions to influence me in relating to these people, I have already lost credibility with them. Charlie was able to remain calm despite whatever internal emotions might have stirred in him.
Here is what Ken Cuccinelli, former attorney general of Virginia, had to say about Charlie: “But more important than the elections was his calm, Christian-focused openness to discussion of some of the most challenging issues in our society today. https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/how-charlie-kirk-helped-republicans-reach-young-americans-5917304
Another indication of the depth of his faith clearly shows in starting up Turning Point USA at the age of 18. How many of us would be brave enough to do so? Not me! But I take encouragement from Charlie again. I may be well past the age of 18, but at any age I can begin a new initiative. If Charlie could, I can too. God is calling each one of us to follow Him, regardless of our age. Charlie responded to that call and I need to do so too.
Yes, Charlie Kirk was a role model for all believers.
If you want to find out more about Charlie Kirk – who he was, what he did, and the influence he had upon people – an online search will produce many results. Some results from mainstream media could be slanted negatively, but using your discretion you will know.
