Charlie’s Purpose

I have said before that I do not do what-ifs, so I am going to call this “suppose?” Many people are familiar with the teachings or historical accounts regarding the life of Jesus Christ. The Bible does a better job of explaining that than I could ever do. He fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies, led a blameless life, explained the deeper meaning of God’s commandments, was crucified and died for humanity’s sins, and rose again three days later.

Christians are familiar with the stories of the Bible, including those of the leaders of biblical times. Societies of today around the world have adopted crazy ideas, and not many leaders who influence the current generations to read the Bible or even think about Jesus.

Suppose a young boy who accepted Jesus as his savior in the fifth grade, then grew in the knowledge of the Bible through his high school years. He learned the greatness of the country he was born into and had a vision to be an instrument for sharing the positive aspects of capitalism and the greatness of American History, and it today. At the age of eighteen, he made it his goal against all odds and began with only an organization name and a few dollars.

He devoted all his efforts and time to making “cold calls” with people he hoped would listen to his plans. Even early on, he amazed people with the money and influence he was able to amass. He did not drink alcohol or go to parties, and he did not date girls until he met the one he wanted to marry. They began dating to get to know each other so they could know if they were meant to spend their lives together.

His vision, Turning Point USA, would keep him traveling and working long hours at the same time, carving out time to spend with Erika. She had a career of her own, and the circumstances were not ideal for developing a relationship. They got married and have two children. His vision continued to grow, and he participated in getting President Trump elected in 2016 and was a huge factor in 2024.

Charlie debated students at universities around the country and at places in other countries. As the years went by, his faith in Jesus became more prominent in his talks to help young minds look beyond the indoctrination they were getting in the classrooms. He never backed away from discussing the truth from the Bible. He was kind, respectful, and never responded to vicious remarks with anything other than respect. In some ways, he used similar methods that Jesus used. He would ask them to explain their comments and reasoning rather than shutting them down.

At thirty-one years old, Charlie’s life ended when someone, filled with hatred toward his message, shot him. That hate was shared by others on social media, by some in Congress, and by some on network TV channels. It reminded me of the chants of “Barabbas” by the crowds who chose to let Jesus be crucified. Charlie was human and, like all of us, a sinner. If our generation needed to see an example of how to live in today’s world and try to live like Jesus tells us, while he was not perfect, Charlie was one of a kind.

That rugged cross was the final part of the purpose of Jesus’ time here on Earth. Charlie’s death has gotten attention around the world and has motivated thousands to continue his vision. Just consider the possibility that was Charlie’s purpose.

Randy Travis – That’s Jesus