LVM Encouragement – A call to be a firebrand

For the last week or so we have seen a shift in how the church perceives itself.

In the western world compared to other regions, we can practice our faith in relative in peace and safety. It is therefore jarring to see someone who is killed for their faith.  Charlie Kirk’s murder was a tragedy and injustice beyond comprehension, although we can see in Charlie an example of someone who saw the risk and danger of seeking the lost worth the price he could pay.

Yet, there has been a sharp response within the Church. There are few people today in the western world who have been so impactful as Charlie Kirk in sharing the message of their faith so effectively into darkness. He loved his family and his friends, he loved his work, but he also loved the people he spoke with – and was willing to break into their world where only ideas of a singular type are usually allowed despite the dangers.

There has been a cry among many in and out the body of Christ, “I am Charlie Kirk”. Not a cry of confused identity but identifying as someone who was willing and able to stand despite the cost.

Yet – there was something about Charlie Kirk that was unique. He had a great gift to communicate and understood that God had called him to make a difference. God had positioned him greatly and used him in a profound way. We all pray that God’s work through Charlie will continue in perpetuity. In the same way that Charlie was profoundly used, God has planned things for us, using our unique gifts and situation. (Ephesians 3:10).

In every generation there are firebrands, who God uses greatly. Hudson Taylor, Keith Green, Revivalists and missionaries – are all people who God has used greatly to bring many to Christ and bring many back to Christ. They all ministered in different ways, but they all lived beyond the comfort and safety of the world they lived in – laying their lives down as a living sacrifice before God. Some lived long, some short – but God used them all. They all were willing to give God their everything, withholding no portion.

The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls,  who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:45 NKJV

For the most part, the western world is a safe place to be a Christian – and I never advocate needless risks nor being obnoxious for the sake of the Gospel – without God’s leading. But, when we look at someone like Charlie Kirk we can feel a challenge to live as willing and obedient despite the dangers and risks

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Let us look to our own lives and ask ourselves: do we hold comfort higher than our willingness to follow God? God can use anyone greatly, even you in ways that far exceed your imagination. He can use anyone who is willing to be used.

There have been many who have stated that this is an hour of emboldening in the church, that the Church will stand with greater fire and authority. Yet, this is the fruit of everyone in the body of Christ asking the question, what am I holding back? What can I repent of?

Let us all hope that no more lose their lives for their faith. May we also honour the thousands who stand in the darkest places at the expense of their lives.

In my life I have repented for anything that I have given more importance than my obedience to Him. I pray for many others to join me.

Kevin