Government
Devotion 2: Police
Roger Allen
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Growing up in the 1960s, there were many shows on TV demonstrating how cool it was to be a policeman. Held in high regard and given respect by most people, the police were to be looked up to. Having an uncle on the sheriff’s department made it even more impressive to a young boy. When visiting, he would show us some of the tools a police officer would use in the line of duty. During the social unrest of 1967, my uncle would stop by the house just to let us know everything would be all right.
Years later, my cousin would also join the sheriff’s department and continue the family line in law enforcement. With family and friends in the department, I was taught to have high respect for those who put on the uniform. As a society, we knew that they were there to protect and defend us. However, as the 1960s gave way to the 1970s, we saw a gradual shift in how society would view the police. As a boy, I was told to address police officers as sir, not as another three-letter reference. I was taught to obey and respect those who wore the uniform. We now see a general disregard for those we now call “cops.” I am writing this only to make a point of how far we have moved away from honoring and respecting the law. In many ways, we have made the police “RoboCops” instead of “peacemakers,” taking away their ability to make a sound judgment. Yet, in Matthew 5:9, it becomes very apparent how God feels about those who keep the peace.
Today, we no longer see the police as peacemakers, but rather as adversaries. In our society, we battle them every chance we can. We neither believe their testimony nor do we trust them. We use video as a negative narrative while giving limited background to the whole story. We have been taught to disdain all that they stand for, and all that they do. In less than my lifetime, I have seen one of the most respected professions become one of the least. We have decided we will disregard all authority without the judgment that comes with it. This is in direct conflict of God’s Word.
Romans 13:2 says, “Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.”
So why have we come to a place of dislike and hatred for those who would lay down their life for us? Knowing every morning that this might be their last, they willfully put on the uniform. Leaving behind their family and those who love them, they protect someone they have never met. With no expectation of gratitude or promotion, they do their duty. If we search our hearts, it does not take long to realize where this societal disobedience gets its origin. Our hearts, sinful and broken, provide the perfect road to prideful disrespect. Delivering on the first chance to defend ourselves, we can default to our most debased form. The very pride that brings us to disdain the authorities also brings us to willful neglect of God’s Law. We want what we want, and are not satisfied until we get it. Even as Christians, we will dismiss the authority with which we do not agree. When legislation does not go our way, we are quick to say we are being persecuted for our faith and become indignant. Sometimes, it is to the point of lawlessness. This is pride, pure and simple. So, before being quick to judge those who have authority, remember the Lord appointed that person or persons in a place of leadership over you. He and He alone has the wisdom and omnipotence to put in place those He needs to reveal His glory. I realize this can be hard, but we must have faith that God knows what He is doing. He has put them in place so we can have law and order. Remember, God is not a God of confusion, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33).
One day, society will realize that God’s omniscience superseded our desires, and He blessed us with certain individuals to protect and serve our community. Let us not forget, sometimes with their very own life.
John 15:13 adds, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”