The Charlie Kirk Effect

The Charlie Kirk Effect

By Steve Backlund

Charlie Kirk was an incredible influencer. It has been said that he is the reason for Donald Trump being elected again as president. Whether you agree with Charlie or not, it is undeniable that his life and death are having a powerful effect on lives. Here are five things Charlie did that are impacting us greatly now. He was a person who thrived at: 

1. Engaging with People of Different Views: This was one of his great qualities. He would invite people to prove him wrong in what he believed. He honored people through listening and did not bash people who had different beliefs from him. His example is impacting our nation. We can accelerate this effect in our lives by: 

• Seeking first to understand before we seek to be understood

• Avoiding the toxic name-calling and labeling in social media

• Listening and seeking to understand different perspectives

2. Being Unashamed of Our Faith: There was no doubt he was a follower of Jesus. His example has influenced many to share their faith in greater ways. The memorial service in Arizona was a testament to that. We can grow in evangelism by: 

• Learning to genuinely like people

• Being regularly filled with the Holy Spirit

• Developing our unique evangelism style and strategy

3. Partnering with Imperfect Catalytic People: He had courage and wisdom to interact with political and other high-level influencers who did not always demonstrate kingdom values or honor in how they spoke about others. He did not separate himself from these, but sought to be a positive influence on them (and to partner with them on noble causes). We can do the same by: 

• Studying the lives of the Old Testament characters Daniel and Joseph and learning how they influenced leaders with different core values than them

• Find ways to serve leaders in different spheres of society

• Overcome the need for everyone to approve of the people you are called to connect with

4. Empowering Youth and Young Adults: He was a young man, answering his call at age 18 and dying at 31. He accomplished so much in his 20s. His life testifies of the influence young people can have. We can continue this legacy of young people greatly impacting society by: 

• Developing a belief system that young people are significant

• If young, “despising not the day of small beginnings” (Zechariah 4:10)

• If older, find ways to invest in younger influencers

5. Being Willing to Pay a Price: He paid a price by building a catalytic organization, traveling much, and dedicating much time to his cause. He was not addicted to comfort or taking the easy road. He accomplished much. He increased his talents (Matthew 25). We can do the same by: 

• Building systems in our lives to overcome procrastination, passivity, and perfectionism

• Developing a large vision and purpose because vision for the future gives power and energy in the present

• Feeding regularly on testimonies and biographies of people who have paid a price to make a difference. 

All five of these Charlie Kirk effects are happening right now in America and beyond. You and I are a part of that. We are moving into a new season of influence. The Lord is opening our eyes to what He's doing, and there's also a grace that's on us in our leadership to lead well, to lead at a new level, and to possess ground. Let’s go for it.