Our freedom comes from the Lord, so we need to make sure that we appreciate it instead of abusing it. Lately, there have been a lot of news stories about people who are maligning Charlie Kirk and ridiculing his death. Some have been fired from their jobs over what they have said publicly or posted online. I am not sure how I feel about that.

First, I think that they are heartless and unfeeling, with a conscience seared that does not tell them right from wrong. Second, I think that they are not aware of how harsh their words sound to the family and loved ones of Charlie, nor do I think that they are concerned about it. Most importantly, I think that they need to be saved and find the same freedom I have, a freedom that reins me in when I am about to hurt someone else. After all, life is made up of relationships, vertically with God and horizontally with mankind. These people who are saying Charlie got what he deserved don’t want to get what they deserve. None of us does. But still, they set themselves up as judge and jury and condemn Charlie for his words, words that spread hope and truth, that spoke light into a dark world.

When you are offended by the light, it is because you prefer the darkness. But should you lose your job for your narrow-mindedness or ignorance? I want to say, “Yes, definitely! They should never say such things!” But where does it stop? This is a slippery slope that perhaps we don’t want to start down. Suppose the liberals are in charge (which realistically they will be again), then do they get to make sure people of faith lose their jobs because they post “offensive” scriptures online or say something that condemns sin?

I am not saying that these people were right in what they said. I am saying that they have the right to say it and then can suffer the consequences, if any, of those who are in their community. No consequences doesn’t mean it was right. It is just a sign loudly proclaiming how far from human decency and love for our fellow humans we have fallen as a society.

 “I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” ~Evelyn Beatrice Hall (biographer of Voltaire)

I think that I believe what this quotation says. You can say what you want but know that words have consequences that may lead to being ostracized by civil society.

All of that being said, I am not a fan of such hard-hearted people teaching impressionable children. If they can keep their opinions to themselves, that is one thing, but to spew vitriol in front of a captive audience of children, that is where I would draw the line. Posting online…harmful, but someone has to read it to be affected by it. However, standing in front of a classroom and saying that Charlie Kirk deserved to die…I would take a hard line on that and suspend the offender at the very least.

I am in favor of free speech, but as I used to tell my students (the ones who insisted that they could talk when I was trying to teach), their freedom ended where mine began. There was a definite line there called courtesy and respect, and I explained it to my students. If they wanted me to listen to them when they didn’t understand, then they needed to listen to me as I tried to explain the new material to them. Did these people cross the line of respect, courtesy and dignity owed to a fellow human? Yes, but they are willfully ignorant of the Judge who will one day hold them accountable for all of their posts, tweets and other online rants.

We all have choices every day about what to say and what to keep silent about. Jesus didn’t go around condemning all that he saw. Instead, He offered an alternative of peace, love and joy in following Him. We need pray for these offensive hate-mongers, that God will deal with their hearts. Then they will truly have freedom and we won’t have to be worried about the next foolish thing they will say.

Finally, I would not fire the offenders unless they are spreading their propaganda in front of a classroom. Those with sway over our children and grandchildren should be held to the highest standard. Hollywood doesn’t like Charlie and they’re glad he died? Dont’ buy tickets to their films or pay to stream their shows. The wallet is what talks to such insensitive people. Censoring them gives them a platform to spew more hatred into a very sad situation.

Deep condolences to Erika Kirk, her children and other family members. I pray that she will listen to God’ voice and not to the voices of the haters and deniers.

Closing with scriptures and praying that you understood my point today, whether you agree with me or not.