Using a garden analogy, to me it feels as though his death has acted like fertilizer spread across the soil—stirring growth, awakening dormant seeds, and pushing life forward in unexpected ways. ​But any gardener knows that fertilizer doesn’t discriminate. It nourishes both the good and the bad. It strengthens fruit-bearing plants, but it also gives weeds a boost. And in the wake of this event, we are already seeing both take root and grow.

The Positive Growth

In the aftermath of Kirk’s passing, I’ve noticed several encouraging developments:

1. The Gospel has been preached boldly. Frank Turek didn’t mince words when he told an audience of millions that we are sinners deserving of judgment and in desperate need of God’s mercy.
2. A growing boldness to share the truth. Faithful Christians have always spoken up, but when one of us is persecuted or killed for speaking the truth, it emboldens others to do the same.
3. New interest in the church. Tragic events often awaken spiritual hunger. Because of Kirk’s death, some are considering attending church for the very first time.
4. Christian character on display. A powerful example of Christian grace has been seen—especially in Mrs. Kirk, whose words of forgiveness toward the killer have sparked discussions about the nature of grace.
5. Renewed cultural and political discussion. The contrast between left and right is once again on display, prompting important conversations across the country.

These are good things to emerge from tragedy. We should indeed rejoice and give thanks for this fruit—especially as Christians—for this is kingdom growth.

The Negative Growth

At the same time, we must not ignore that Charlie’s death has also stirred up troubling developments. Fertilizer doesn’t discriminate. As the good plants are strengthened, so too are the weeds. Here are a few I’ve noticed—perhaps you’ve seen others as well:

1. The influence of unbiblical groups has grown. During Charlie’s ceremony, voices from Catholicism, Hinduism, Judaism, and unorthodox Christian groups like the SDA were given a platform. At first glance, this may appear to be “unity,” but in reality, it is an ecumenical hodgepodge that confuses and misleads. It blurs the sharp lines of truth and risks drawing people away from Christ rather than toward Him.
2. Political idolatry is deepening. For many, Kirk’s death has become a rallying cry—not for Christ, but for political action. Dare I say... a political savior? But no government, no party, and no man can redeem. When we elevate human leaders to that status, we risk planting weeds that choke out the true hope of the gospel.
3. Charlie himself is becoming the rallying point. The movement seems increasingly centered on him, rather than on Christ. Where is Jesus in all of this? Who are we truly following? In some cases, people have even applied Scripture—such as John 12:24, which refers to Jesus—to Charlie. This is eisegesis: twisting the Word of God to serve the memory of a man. At its core, this is nothing less than idolatry.
4. The gospel is being overshadowed. In speeches, posts, and online comments, there is often a blending—even an equating—of the “American dream” with Christ. But Jesus did not die for the American dream. He gave His life to save us from the wrath of God. When the gospel is diluted with political rhetoric, we lose sight of the cross. And if our focus drifts from Christ crucified and risen, then the weeds of distraction will soon overtake the garden.

A Call to Discernment

Yes, Charlie's death seems to have acted like fertilizer, nourishing both the plants and the weeds. Sometimes it's easy to spot the weeds—but at other times, it’s more difficult. What may appear to be a healthy plant can, in reality, be a weed.

What we need, therefore, is discernment—the spiritual wisdom to distinguish not only right from wrong, but right from almost right.

Where do we find this wisdom? From God. He is the source of all wisdom, and He has revealed what is right and wrong in His Word—the Bible. Get to know it well.

In Scripture, we’re given a test—three questions to help us discern:

1. What do they believe and say about Jesus?
2. What is the character and content of their message? Is it worldly, or does it align with the Bible?
3. Who is mainly listening to them—believers or unbelievers?

A Concluding Appeal

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death, we’re witnessing both positive and negative growth—things we can praise God for, and things we need to mark, avoid, and root out. Fertilizer doesn’t discriminate. That’s why now, more than ever, we must be rooted in God’s Word and guided by His wisdom.

Open your Bibles. Test everything against it. Pray for discernment. Ask God to show you what to rejoice in and what to reject—in your life, your community, and your world.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES

I had planned to write a post introducing you to the Gardener of our soul and to share how the skill and character of a gardener directly affect the vitality of a garden. But then tragedy struck. A man I had just begun following online—a husband and father of two—was tragically killed. An intelligent, winsome speaker of truth was shot.

It’s always heartbreaking to hear when someone dies, but for some reason, this one has struck me differently. Perhaps it’s because he was a young Christian man. Or maybe it’s because he spoke truth with a winsome spirit that reflected the character of Christ. It could be because he leaves behind a wife and two young children - and as a father of two myself, my  heart aches for what they may be walking through. Or perhaps it’s because he took a public stand for convictions we shared—faith, freedom, truth, and family—and paid the ultimate price. Whatever the reason, this loss seems to have stung a little more deeply.

Sometimes unexpected tragedy happens, and we are left trying to recover. Have you been there? Perhaps it was the loss of a parent, a brother or sister, a friend, or even a man you never met but only followed online. Grief is universal, yet profoundly personal. We are confronted with the brevity of life and left longing for something that endures beyond death.

THE GARDENER’S CARE

When a life is suddenly cut short, it feels like someone has ripped a branch from a tree or crushed a tender plant. The wound is real, and it needs to heal. And this is where the gardener comes in. He does not ignore the broken branches or trampled plants—he carefully tends to them.

A gardener examines the damage and removes the jagged pieces of the broken branch or torn stems that would prevent healing. He then supports the wounded plant, binds up its wounds, nourishes it, and patiently continues to care for it until new growth emerges.

In much the same way, the Gardener of our soul goes about the work of healing those gripped with grief. He examines our hearts and removes what would poison us with bitterness. He comes alongside us, binding up our broken hearts by reminding us of His promises: that those who belong to Him are with Him after death (John 14:3), and that He will cause all things to work together for the good of those who love Him (Rom. 8:28). He gives us strength to lean on through His Word, prayer, and the counsel of others, so that we may stand. He pours in His living water when we are dry and patiently carries us through seasons of sorrow until, in time, new life begins to grow again.

TRUSTING THE GARDENER

But why would He allow it? Why would a life be cut short, leaving pain in its wake? These questions are not new—they echo through Scripture and through the hearts of the faithful across church history. Sometimes the answers are beyond our understanding. And yet, there is a reason—one known only by the Gardener.

In moments of loss, we are invited to trust in His character rather than demand answers. We trust the Gardener not because we understand all that He does, but because we know His heart. He is loving, wise, and faithful. Grief may leave us raw, but it can also open our hearts to dependence, compassion, and deeper love. Sometimes, in our brokenness, God’s presence becomes more visible—His comfort, His provision, His sustaining strength.

We may never fully understand why some lives are cut short, but we can rest in the promise that the Gardener is faithful. He will bind up the brokenhearted, nourish the weak, and patiently wait as healing takes root. And one day, in ways we cannot yet see, every broken branch will once again flourish by His perfect care.