25 Years Later
America changed on September 11, 2001. A new generation of Americans came face to face with several harsh realities. Life is fragile. Evil is very real. And there are forces at war with you whether you recognize it or not. From a law enforcement and military standpoint, America has transformed a great deal since 9/11. From a spiritual standpoint, we have simply moved on. We said we'd never forget, but is it possible that we never learned what we needed to in the first place?
Unexpected tragedies shake us up and wake us out of our day to day duldrums. These kinds of events or times cause us to ask important questions and adjust our priorities. We pray and turn to God. We take more time with family. For some, September 12th was the beginning of a new way of life with a fresh sense of purpose and mission. Yet, as a whole, one could hardly say that 25 years later America has turned markedly toward the Lord. The same is true of a more recent tragedy. Charlie Kirk's assassination in 2025 moved many Christians to renew their commitment to be an unashamed witness for Christ. Many college and high school students were emboldened. One year later, not much has changed. We've let the day to day lull us again. If we can be lulled, then we didn’t learn.
The lesson we need to learn comes from Revelation 12:11-12: "And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. For this reason, rejoice of heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time."
We live in a world at war--all out war. More surreptitious than the craftiest terrorist, Satan wages war all through this world. More than life is at stake here. Heaven and hell are real. Morality won't save you. Good works won't win you heaven. Religious activity isn't enough. Only Christ is enough to save you. Have you trusted him for salvation and the forgiveness of sin? Jesus is the only solution to this universal problem. The way we overcome is by the word of our testimony.
Second, let's anchor our families in God's Word. The courage and character that equips us to live in this hostile world isn't found in all of the activities that fill our lives, as good as those may be. Go all in for Jesus. Pray. Love and read God’s Word. Ask God for help to obey. Our kids need to see dads and moms who love Jesus in front of strangers and at home. Get your family in a church that teaches the Bible and equips you for life. Again, go all in. Don't just dabble in church, join the fight. Take your place on the wall!
Finally, never bow down. Do not shrink back from faith in Christ. Stand firm in your conviction that Jesus has overcome this world. After all what harm can someone really do to those of us whose home is heaven? How can you intimidate a person who doesn't fear death? "Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence" (1 Peter 3:14-15).