“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.”
~ Matthew 25:23 ~
As we conclude this series on The Sword of the Spirit, my heart feels both heavy and hopeful. Heavy, because we mourn the loss of a strong, confident voice for truth and a dear friend of Rocky Mountain Voice—Charlie Kirk. Hopeful, because his legacy shows us the trail we are called to follow, with no exceptions, and in my opinion, there is no better way to close this powerful series.
I was fortunate to be with Heidi Ganahl, founder of RMV, along with her daughter, Hollie, a Valor High School student, Vice President of the new Turning Point USA chapter, and former Denver Bronco Derek Wolfe, back in April of this year, when we launched a new Turning Point USA chapter at the school. That moment touched me deeply because it reflected the ripple effect of Charlie’s work: inspiring the next generation to pick up the Sword and stand boldly for truth.
Not long after, Heidi—along with her daughter, Tori, her oldest daughter, the backbone of RMV—enthusiastically invited me to join her in Colorado Springs to connect with Charlie at an event he was planning to attend. A meet and greet was even possible if the timing worked. The invitation was meaningful, but it conflicted with a trip Sherrie and I had already scheduled to Florida, where I was working on a speaker and promotional reel to share my message with the world: “Christianity is about becoming more fully human through Christ, not about becoming more religious.”
I wrestled with the decision—should I reschedule? Should I shift my plans? In the end, I stayed the course, telling myself there would be another time. The irony is sobering. Even if I had gone, that meeting would never have happened, as Charlie’s life was cut short on September 10th. The event—and that introduction—was scheduled for the following weekend.
Charlie was a wordsmith and an apologist, wielding the whole language of God—reason, grace, truth, and revelation. He was bold, yes, but also deeply caring. He stepped into some of the most challenging arenas of our time—universities, debates, and the public square—and wielded the Sword of the Spirit with clarity, courage, and compassion. Charlie reminded us that God’s Word is not a relic to admire but a living weapon to wield: cutting through lies, defending what is good, and inspiring others to follow Christ with boldness.
And while his individual voice is now silent on this side of eternity, his impact, influence, and significance continue. Though Charlie and I didn’t meet here, I am confident of this: we will meet on the other side of eternity. That is the hope of Christ—the King of Trailblazers, the Word made flesh.
As we reflect on Charlie’s life and on this series, let’s remember what it means to wield the Sword:
- Offensively: moving God’s truth forward with compassion and courage.
- Defensively: guarding against temptation, deception, and spiritual attack.
- Practically: applying Scripture daily to our decisions, relationships, and challenges.
- Transformationally: allowing God’s Word to change us and, through us, our communities.
Charlie’s sword has been sheathed in this life, but the trail he blazed remains. Now it is our turn. The best way to honor his life is not only to remember him, but to reflect Christ with our words and actions—to pick up the Sword of the Spirit and blaze trails of faith, hope, and truth for those who will follow.
And one day, when our battles are finished and our swords are laid down, may we too hear the words every trailblazer longs to hear:
“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)
So let’s honor Charlie. Let’s celebrate Christ. And let’s keep trailblazing with the Sword of the Spirit—until the day we meet again, on the other side of eternity.
And yes, as always: Stay Strong. Shine Bright. Suit Up
And get ready—because next, we’re putting on The Shoes of Peace (Readiness) to equip ourselves with the whole Armor of God, so we can face the darkness of this world with confidence, boldness, and love.
— Pastor Drake
BONUS
Next Steps
- Pick up the Word daily. Don’t let your Bible be a decoration. Open it, read it, and let it guide your common sense, choices, and conversations.
- Speak boldly, but with grace. Use your words like Charlie did—anchored in truth, seasoned with compassion, and aimed at building up, not tearing down (Colossians 4:6).
- Blaze a trail for others. Make intentional decisions this week that create a clear path of faith for your children, coworkers, or community to follow.
- Live for eternity. Remember: this life is not the end. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the King of Trailblazers, knowing that your faithfulness here echoes into forever.
Reflection Moment: I would also encourage you to pause for a moment and ask yourself these questions:
Pause for a few minutes and ask yourself:
- Where in your life do you need to pick up the Sword of the Spirit more intentionally—offensively, defensively, practically, or transformationally?
- Charlie Kirk used words to shape culture and defend truth. How are you using your words—in your family, workplace, and community?
- What “trail” are you leaving behind for others? Is it one that points to Christ, or one that leaves people uncertain of the path?