Stand Firm Until the End

"You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:22 NIV

Like most Americans who were alive on September 11, 2001 (the day we still take the time to mourn and remember 24 years later because of the impact it had), I will never forget where I was when I heard the news that the twin towers had been hit. I will also never forget turning on the TV and watching the terror of the day unfold. Sadly, I will also never forget where I was when I heard the news that I heard yesterday... the news that Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA and the steadfast and staunch supporter of life, free speech, and the Truths laid out in the Bible, was assassinated. In a news report that followed the horrific event, it was said that, "Kirk died doing what made him a potent political force — rallying the right on a college campus, this time Utah Valley University."

"His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’" Matthew 25:21 NKJV

Charlie knew the risks. He knew he would be hated by everyone because of his love for the Lord and his zeal to fulfill the mission God had called him to. But he also knew this... He knew that the one who stood firm until the end would be saved. Charlie also knew that serving the Lord would not be easy and that it could even cost him his life. But he chose to follow Jesus anyway. And because of that, you can be sure that Charlie heard these precious and well-deserved words upon his passing, "Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your lord," words that every believer should long to hear.

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21 NIV

So, rather than bow down in fear that the same fate (especially as the world becomes more and more intolerant of and hostile towards the Truth) could await you if you continue to proclaim the Truth and serve the Lord as every believer is called to do, let Charlie's example fan your flames to be even more bold in sharing the Good News of the Gospel and standing up for what's right. After all, as the apostle Paul (who was martyred for his steadfast faith and unwillingness to remain silent) said "to live is Christ and to die is gain." Paul wasn't afraid to die which made him all the more bold in living to serve Jesus! Dying was gain for him because it ushered him into heaven!

Charlie wasn't afraid to die either! In fact, he once said, "All death can do to the believer is deliver him to Jesus."

With that being said, make the decision now to stand firm until the end my friend. The Scriptures are clear that this type of behavior will only ramp up as we further approach the day of Jesus' return and believers must be found ready. They must be found boldly preaching the Word, with no fear of death, so that they too might hear those sweet words Paul and Charlie undoubtedly heard upon their passing, "Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your lord."

Heavenly Father, thank You for people like Charlie and Paul whose boldness and fearlessness serve to inspire others. Lord, help us to understand the brevity of this life compared to eternal life that we wouldn't hesitate to give up our lives in service to you, even to the point of death. Remind us Lord that those who die for the cause of Christ will reap rewards far greater than they could ever imagine. Lord, we ask that You would be with Charlie's family today and that his death might spark a chain reaction of boldness and steadfastness in the face of opposition. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!