Showing posts with label minister. Show all posts
Showing posts with label minister. Show all posts

Monday, September 3, 2007

What are your thoughts on this?

In Romans chapter 13, (The Message Version) the Bible explains to us, as police, where our authority comes from and how we should use it. But, one thing sticks out in this chapter that really makes me think. It says that good citizens should not be afraid of the police, but, those that break the law had better "watch out." Is it just me, or, are things backwards, in the times that we currently live in. It seems like good citizens are afraid of many police officers and the criminals appear to have no fear, nor respect for police. Why is this? Well, the Bible goes on to say that all governments are under God, as long as there is "peace and order." In many police departments, worldwide, it appears that there is no peace within. There is a lot of back stabbing, power struggles, insubordination, no loyalty, and a lack of adherence to protocol. Most police have gone from being public servants to being self servants, to include police leadership. An "all about me" phase. The word servant can be evenly exchanged with the word, minister. Ministers are considered servants. So, in Romans 13, if God calls police officers "His ministers" (KJV) or "His servants" (Contemporary English Version), where is the public ministry or the public service? It is impossible to enforce the law effectively and to maintain order in a city or municipality, if there is no order, accountability, peace, integrity, loyalty, adherence to protocol, nor unity, in the department. Most important of all, there must be an understanding in regards to what a police officer is, what a police officer does, and where their true authority comes from. I would encourage police officers, worldwide, to read and understand Romans chapter 13. Understanding your divine position of authority will change your method of policing. It changed mine. Psalm 127 states that unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. Who are the watchmen (not just the police) and is anyone else out there tired of standing guard and watching in vain? Many leaders are pleading to the public for help in reducing crime in their cities. Why consult the ones that you are supposed to protect and serve, instead of consulting the very One who gives you your authority in the first place? God establishes laws and He uses police officers to enforce them, because He is a God of law and order. It should be a privilege and an honor to serve within His rank and file! What are your thoughts on this?