I am writing this on the heels of the senseless and horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. It has sent a wave of disbelief through the Christian community as well as conservative political circles. This man had such a heart for the young unsaved and enjoyed healthy debates during his visits to college campuses.
There continues to be an energetic movement among conservative youth. In fact, this generation has been noted as one of the most conservative in years. It is no wonder that the enemy of our souls would want to shut this down. Turning Point USA stated, “In just the first seven days since Charlie was taken from all of us, Turning Point USA has received more than 54,000 requests from students who want to start or join a chapter.” This movement will only grow stronger and larger.
The bigger picture for Christians to recognize is that we are in a battle—whether we realize it or not. Satan is waging war, and he comes to steal, kill, and destroy. We can no longer sit on the sidelines and pretend this doesn’t affect us. As Christians, the battle is real—this is a war of good versus evil. Our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the spiritual forces that wage against us in the high places (Ephesians 6:12). People hate in others what they cannot face in themselves. They project the devil outward when they cannot deal with the emptiness inside themselves.
Our best response in these times is to act as Jesus did when His beloved friend John the Baptist was beheaded. Instead of attacking the enemy, He healed the sick, raised the dead, and loved His enemies. We, too, need to dig in and continue to be the light and salt in this world. This is not the time to run for cover in fear or to engage the enemy on their level—we will pray for the lost and speak the truth in love. We will keep the dialogue open. Lost people are still redeemable.
My prayer for you is that we continue the movement that has been started. Charlie was part of a great awakening in our nation. Many Bible scholars have said that we are in the Third Great Awakening. This is truly an exciting time to be alive. The First Great Awakening brought us George Washington. The Second brought us Abraham Lincoln. God is using Charlie Kirk’s movement as well as Donald Trump in this Third Great Awakening.
The Great Awakenings refer to a series of religious revivals that changed American culture in a positive and impactful way. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great (Alexis de Tocqueville). Her goodness is rooted in her dependence upon God and His grace He has poured out on this country.
We are living in a wonderful time. Pick up the mantle and continue to speak the truth in love. We will continue to see the outpouring of the goodness of God and continue to see our best days ahead.
God Bless America – God Bless the USA!
Rhonda Smart, rhondalsmart@gmail.com
