God loves a trier… because Christians aren’t perfect

By Rachael Tearney. 

Each week brings new challenges, none more so than last week. The murder of Charlie Kirk has left us stunned. Whether we agreed with him or not, his death was senseless and tragic.

Like millions of others, I have spent the past few days watching videos of his debates, interviews, speeches, and even home footage of his life with his wife and children. What struck me most, and I know I am not alone, was his Christian message.

Yes, he was immersed in political discourse. He never shied away from a difficult or controversial topic, always striving to give a constructive answer. Was his mission civil rights, human rights, or Republican Party campaigning? Perhaps all of these to some degree. But his words were most powerful when he bore witness to his Christian faith.

I read recently that Americans, particularly young Americans, are returning to church in unprecedented numbers. A spiritual awakening, a revival of biblical proportions, is underway. The President, the Vice President, and even the Secretary of War speak openly of their faith in God. It is nothing short of remarkable.

But where does this leave us in the UK? How do the British respond to this flurry of religious fervour? We are traditionally more reserved in our faith and less evangelical in our worship. Perhaps, then, we may be forgiven for feeling a little uncomfortable, a little out of sorts — the stiff upper lip curling mildly in distaste.

Well, I am here to say we need not panic. We can simply keep calm and carry on, but now, perhaps, with a little more confidence and saunter than we have had for some time.

In the past year, I have had more conversations about faith than in the previous ten. That in itself is proof that curiosity about God is bubbling to the surface. I have heard would-be believers confess: “But I’m not perfect.” Or: “I’m not sure I believe in everything.” Or: “I love singing hymns and carols.” Or even: “I’m culturally Christian.”

Then, last week, I experienced a strangely beautiful and poignant moment. I went to pay for petrol, and the cashier, crouched on the floor stocking a shelf, joked: “I’m just saying my prayers.” To my surprise, when she stood up, she continued speaking about prayer. She told me: “This might sound weird, but whenever I’m in despair or worried about my children, I always ask Him for help — and it always comes. Is that weird?”

I am pleased to say my courage did not fail me. I answered just as boldly: “No, that’s not weird. That’s faith — and it works.”

If we rewind the clock a few years, few people would have been brave enough to tell a stranger that they prayed. Something has shifted.

The assault by Marxists and secularists on the Christian West has been long and varied. One of their earliest and most effective weapons was ridicule. We were told we were stupid for believing in “nonsense.” They set about disproving the Bible, mocking the resurrection and the virgin birth. They promoted alternative lifestyles and exotic spiritualities — anything, as long as it was not rooted in Christian truth.

As they chipped away at our history and heritage, ridicule became easier. Christians were presented in films and television as eccentric or deluded. And we believed it, because we were unsure, we lacked confidence, we lost our faith — and we lost our way.

Now, as the lady in the petrol station proves, we are becoming bolder. We see evil and darkness in the world, and we want an antidote. We are taking responsibility and asking questions. Our doubts are no longer: Does God exist? but rather: Am I good enough to be a Christian? Do I have to believe everything? What is the right way to believe?

The truth is simple: you do not need to be perfect. You do not need to be “good enough.” You only need to be yourself — with an open mind and an open heart.

The words of the Gospel are powerful. If you reach for them and listen, they will speak to you. They will change your life for the better. Embrace our Christian past. Venture into church. You might not agree with everything, but you will find purpose, peace, fellowship, and love. Most importantly, you will find imperfect people who try. And God loves a trier.

I believe that years from now, when our children read how close the West came to destruction, they will also read of one brave young man who put his faith in God and made his voice heard. His courage and his faith — the two things for which he wished to be remembered — signposted the path to Christ, the way back to the Light. And thanks to his civility and his extraordinary bravery in staring down ridicule, we are all a little bit braver.

Thank you, Charlie — and God bless.

Follow Rachael at @WritesRachael