Live a Life. Leave a Legacy.

By Justin Pratt,  Clear Springs Baptist Church Senior Pastor

I, like many others, have been profoundly affected and deeply shaken by the tragic loss of Charlie Kirk. He was a man who used his platform to express his beliefs and his unwavering passion, leaving a significant mark on the world. Now that he is gone, it is clear that he indeed made an impact. One of the recurring thoughts in the past few weeks has been that death is not just the end of a life, but also a moment to reveal a legacy. Many people around the world are taking this time to reflect and ask themselves: What will we be remembered for when our time comes?

The difficult truth is that none of us can choose when our last day will come, but each of us can decide what we do with today. In the midst of grief and loss, we are reminded that what truly matters is not just how long we live, but how deeply, faithfully and purposefully we live our lives. Legacies aren’t defined by the eulogies spoken at our funerals; they are built day by day through the choices we make, the values we uphold, and the impact we have on others.

Our legacy is the story we leave behind when our voices grow silent and our footprints fade into the distance. While our accomplishments, accolades, possessions, and positions may eventually diminish, the way we live, what we stand for, and who we influence along the way become the lasting echoes of our lives, reaching far beyond our years.

This sentiment resonates with the message of the Hebrew writer who spoke of Abel, the first man whose life was taken, stating, “he being dead yet speaketh.” This powerful line captures the essence of legacy: even after death, a committed life lived faithfully to God continues to have an impact. Our lives ultimately convey a message that outlives us, whether through a whisper or a shout, to future generations.

The death of anyone who carried a message should motivate those of us who remain. From the prophets and apostles of the scriptures to figures like Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, Polycarp, Jim Elliot, and most recently, Charlie Kirk, we are reminded that their lives served as torches, and we must not let the flame be extinguished. Their deaths urge us not only to remember them in memory but also to take action. They inspire us to embrace the truth and continue their mission with compassion, conviction and courage. Recently, Charlie Kirk’s life and legacy encourage us to do two things: advance the principles he stood for and adopt the approach he lived by.

By promoting the principles of faith, family and freedom, we uphold core values. Faith is both our helm and anchor, providing direction and stability during life’s storms. Family nurtures love, shapes character and establishes values. Freedom is a gift to protect and a responsibility to uphold. These principles are not just ideals but convictions to live by, as exemplified by Charlie Kirk.

Secondly, we should embrace his approach. Charlie Kirk exemplified the ability to speak truth with conviction and compassion, engaging in difficult conversations with civility and respect. Even his critics had a place at the table. We must recognize that boldness and love can coexist in a culture often marked by outrage and violence. Grace and courage can walk together, and may this be the guiding principle for people of faith.

Recent events across our nation have prompted me to reflect on how I want to be remembered. When my life comes to an end and my voice is silent, I hope to be remembered as a man who stood for unwavering truth while loving every person God placed in my path. To stand for something eternal and to love in a way that reflects Christ—this is the legacy I wish to leave behind.