The Bible and the Badge

Another National Police Week is drawing to a close.  Men and women from all walks of life descended this week upon Washington D.C., to honor the fallen – to say prayers for the living.

Though I wasn’t able to make it this year, mulling over in my mind what the greatest threat to our officers is, versus the most effective weapon we have in our favor, I couldn’t help but come to this conclusion:

An officer’s greatest threat is the enemy.  No, I’m not talking about the bad guy who robbed the local 7-Eleven.  I’m talking about  the real enemy…the one who “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

This enemy is crafty and deceiving.  He has enough power to discourage, disappoint, disillusion, and dilute the truth.  And, he likes nothing better than to kill the creation in hopes of hurting the Creator.

This week, my husband was invited to take part in an arsenal of weaponry against this enemy at hand.  Tuesday night, Rick participated in a Bible study put on by cops for cops.  The topic – Spiritual Warfare.  Fitting. 

Jesus told the disciples in the final hours before his death, “In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

We know those words to be true.  Everywhere we look we see the after effects of the enemy.  Yet, God has given us the spiritual armor to carry on, to ward off, and to defeat those who wish to do us harm.

1. First, God tells us to stand firm.  When we seek sure footing, it must be on solid ground.  With Christ as our cornerstone and firm foundation, our stand can be strong and true.
2. He tells us to see and be still.  God wants us to take in everything He’s about to accomplish, yet it is in His strength and His power, not our own.  We must be still, standing stoically like a soldier on a battlefield. (Exodus 14:13-14)
3.  We are to take up our positions, then offer up praise.  Sing that heart song, dear one!  When we offer up praise to the Creator, He hears and sets an ambush for our foe. (2 Chronicles 20:17-22)
4. We are to be in awe of our Creator.  When we are, He delights in us and makes our righteousness shine like the dawn, and the justice of our cause like the noonday sun. (Psalm 37)
5. We must be unmovable, and give ourselves fully to His work.  Accept that your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
6. We are to be on guard, to stand firm in the faith, and be men and women of courage.  And, never forget to do everything in love, for it covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Corinthians 16:13 & 1 Peter 4:8)
7. Finally, we are to hold fast to the teachings passed on to us.  When God’s Word dwells in us richly, the enemy cannot have a foothold. (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

Who is the enemy that you are fighting with this week?  If you follow these tactics of spirtual warfare, you will be victorious in the battle that rages around you. 

God bless and don’t forget to thank a police officer for his/her service.

Kristi

P.S.  For those of you who haven’t heard…I’m a grandma! Hoorah!!!!