Like a lot of folks over the past week, I was disturbed to see the assassination of Charlie Kirk. He had such a wonderful mind and activist for being positive in this corrupt world.
I can’t say I followed Charlie closely, but I was definitely aware of his work. Recently, I spent some time listening to him interact with college students and political figures. One thing that really stood out to me was how knowledgeable he was. He once mentioned that he reads 100 books a year! That is impressive in my book……
I come to appreciate his knowledge of history that formed America as well as how the Bible and Christianity influenced our country’s formation. I also realized his Bible knowledge was both personal and well rounded. It is sad so see such a great mind taken from us too soon.
Then I heard some say that the evil forces that took his life did not darken his message, but only will make it brighter. I thought yes – sign me up for that. Not from a political activist, but a Jesus activist.
Now don’t get me wrong, I believe that as Christians we are taught in the Bible to be a positive influence in the world. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Paul urges Timothy and others to pray for all. He specifically says to pray for kings and those in authority. Why? Because it pleases God for all to be saved. We have to share the Gospel to everyone so that we may lead a tranquil life.
My plea is that we emulate some of the qualities I saw in Charlie, so that through our lives we can point everyone we encounter toward the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
I thought of this scale when thinking about the characteristics I saw in Charlie that influenced people to Jesus. On a scale of zero to 10, a lost person will not display the following Biblical characteristics, and Jesus lived a perfect life to emulate our goal of a 10.
Now we will never get to a 10, but our goal is to continually become more like Jesus.
In our fantastic Sunday School group we completed and discussed the character list below. Take time to read through each one and evaluate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10. Are you emulating these characteristics of Jesus that Charlie displayed so well? If you determine that you might be a 4 on a certain character trait – what do you need to do to move yourself to a 5? This is a lifetime pursuit to be more like Jesus and to make Him know to everyone we can.
Our goal here is to determine where we are currently, and determine steps needed to share Jesus better to a world in need.
2 Timothy 1:7 Confidence How confident are you to share the Gospel with someone who needs to hear the Good News?
1 Peter 3:15 Prepared / Engaging The Bible says to always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you. Not your necessarily your Bible knowledge, but what Jesus has done for you.
Proverbs 1:7 Knowledgeable How well do you know the Bible? What does it take for you to know more?
Proverbs 9:10 Wise Wisdom is having knowledge and knowing what to properly do with it – what actions to take.
2 Timothy 4:2 Bold Do we stand up for Jesus when the situation dictates or do we just keep silent?
Ephesians 6:12 Know your enemy Our enemy is not the flesh, but the evil world powers of darkness. Know how to properly defend against our enemy.
James 4:10 Humble Probably the most important characteristic for a Christian. Be humble before God, and He will care for you.
Do you have any other characteristics you think we should emulate as a way to lead others to Jesus?
To improve any one of these characteristics in you – simply read the scripture, and pray God will show you what you need to do. Keep reading and praying until He provides direction. Then do it!
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