What If We Didn’t Wait Until Someone Died?

Many have paid their respects and given great honor to Charlie Kirk. And rightly so.

I’ve been blessed by him, hearing his dialogue through countless clips and stories. Youth especially looked up to him, and we’ve all been shaken by his death.

He was unique…. brilliant, quick on the microphone, and incredibly discerning. He listened carefully to those who questioned him and responded in a way that made them feel heard, yet always pointed to the truth. He was a bold servant of God, faithfully proclaiming the gospel in difficult places, often to those who did not understand or who stood against it.

Now, after his tragic death, the world has paused to recognize his courage, conviction, and impact. It really does feel like a turning point.

And you know what I’ve been thinking related to all of this? Is that we often forget to give honor and praise, and even more importantly, encouragement, to those who are still alive. Those right around us who have gifts and abilities that simply need someone to come alongside them and say, “Hey, go and do that for the Kingdom.”

Years ago, a camp director came up to me and said: “Mark, I think you can be a chaplain at youth camp this summer.” I brushed it off: “Not me, I’m a businessman.” But he insisted: “No, I’ve seen you have gifts in teaching and connecting with others.”

I listened. I went. And that summer changed the trajectory of my life. Since then I have many opportunities to use these gifts. All because someone spoke encouragement into my life while I was alive to hear it.

So yes, we need to honor the dead who have gone boldly before us. The Bible is real in leaving room for mourning.

But also… speak life into the lives of the people around you right now. Call out their gifts. Encourage them to use them for the glory of God. Remind them their labour in the Lord is not in vain.

I’m sure Charlie was encouraged by many while he lived. But his death reminded me how we often delay encouragement, saving our words until it’s too late.