Searching for that person
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The world has been captivated by Charlie Kirk's death. Roughly 100,000 people attended his funeral, and millions more watched the service online. Whether you agreed with his views or not, his life has clearly had an enormous impact on the world. In many ways, his influence has been even greater from the grave than it was in life.
History testifies that the way certain individuals live dramatically affects the world for the better. Thomas Carlisle famously promoted what became known as the "Great Man" theory. He posited that history could largely be viewed as the result of the impact "great men" periodically exerted on it. The theory was later discarded as obsolete for ignoring critical factors. Nevertheless, as a life-long student of history, I have always believed that certain individuals play an oversized role in shaping society.
The Israelites had toiled in Egypt for generations before Moses showed up to deliver them. The Israelites had no answer for the oppressive Midianites until God raised up Gideon to expel them. The Israelites were immobilized by fear of a giant until David stepped up with his slingshot in hand. There have been numerous moments when a solitary individual turned the tide in world events.
The prophet Ezekiel records God's heart-wrenching statement, "I searched for a man among them who would repair the wall and stand in the gap before me on behalf of the land so that I might not destroy it, but I found no one" (Ezek. 22:30). Throughout Scripture, when God intended to do a work on earth, he raised up a man or woman to be the instrument he used. Those people weren't always unusually skilled or brilliant, but they were willing to do whatever God asked.
I met Charlie Kirk several years ago when we were both speaking at a Christian media convention. We sat at a table together for dinner. At the time, I had never heard of him. After we met, I began following his career. Several things struck me. One, he had a message. Many people crave influence but have nothing to say. Kirk had a clear message. Second, he was focused. He understood his audience, and he figured out how to reach them. Third, he was courageous. It takes courage to walk onto secular college campuses where students are predisposed to dislike you and your message. Fourth, he had a pronounced faith in God. Throughout Kirk's funeral, there were many references to Christ and a clear gospel presentation. Finally, Kirk built an organization. Many people's impact ends with them. But when people build an organization and develop followers, their influence can span generations.
History is still unfolding in terms of the extent of Charlie Kirk's legacy. But clearly God still uses people to influence culture in dramatic ways.
Currently, evil forces are fiendishly seeking to wreak havoc on society. The question is whether God's people will boldly step up and make a difference for good. Never dismiss yourself by assuming you are too ordinary or solitary to make a difference. As my father always said, you plus God makes a majority!
God is searching for those willing to stand in the gap. Will you be one such person?
 | Richard Blackaby is the president of Blackaby Ministries International and lives in Georgia. He travels internationally speaking on spiritual leadership in the home, church, and marketplace as well as on spiritual awakening, experiencing God, and the Christian life. Richard regularly ministers to Christian CEOs and business leaders. He has written or co-authored 33 books . This article was first published on RichardBlackaby.com. Used with permission from Blackaby Ministries International. Learn More » |
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