Tuesday; May 15

This is National Police Week and today is Law Enforcement Memorial Day.  First and foremost, I am willing to admit my bias when it comes to this week – and particularly this day.  This memorial is important to me because it is personal with me.  I have known officers who have died in the line of duty and I have spent time with families who have lost their family members.  Today is special for me.
Law Enforcement is more than a profession, it is a calling.  Yes, modern law enforcement has a connection to the judicial system, but there is another layer that must be considered.  When Paul wrote about the Christian’s relationship with government he remarked, “For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”  (Romans 13:3-4)  Like many issues today, law enforcement is the subject of some heated debate, but I think this message highlights two very important lessons:
1.  Law enforcement officers must take their responsibility seriously.  Officers swear to protect and defend the constitution and citizens, but they have an innate responsibility to do what is right in the eyes of God.  Policing our fellow citizens is more than driving fast and catching bad guys – it is a commitment to protect and serve our neighbors.
2.  Communities should remember the sacrifice officers make daily.  This week we will honor the memory of the 135 officers who died in the line of duty last year.  No, these people were not fighting for freedom on foreign soil, they died protecting our freedoms right here at home.  In addition to the officers who died on the job there were hundreds more who physically and emotionally injured.  Let’s do what we can to make their jobs easier and let’s take the time to thank them and their families.
          Think About It!

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