When our culture loudly shouts that you and your profession are not needed — “defund the police!” — it’s easy to feel defeated, even depressed. Sometimes it’s hard to find hope. Yet you know the vast majority of our LEO brothers and sisters serve because they’re called to help others. They do their duty out of real love for their neighbors, their communities.
As a pastor, I’m, of course, guided by the Bible. In Romans 13:1–4, we are taught all authority of those in high positions is given by the Lord. “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.” Despite what many may be screaming these days, here is plainly written why your profession exists: to combat works of evil among us.
Please remember these things:
The word “ordination” comes from Latin meaning “divine decree” and “to put in order.” In this broad sense, you, too, are ordained to fulfill a divine calling to protect and serve the rule of law, to truly be a peacemaker. In this, I believe, your authority is blessed and appointed.
You were born for such a time as this. God knew you would be here, right now, dealing with the current temperature of society. Hold onto that and trust that He will provide what you need, not only to just pull through, but to prevail.
Finally, don’t forget: “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (Colossians 3:23). Sure, there will be doubt and dark days ahead, but if you seek to please Him, if you simply try your best, your efforts will be rewarded; your integrity and professionalism kept intact; your path ahead enlightened.
Moreover, I firmly believe that you will actually begin to feel a shift in your perspective, returning again to the optimism and hope when your deputy days first started!
We chaplains, ourselves, are not immune from this challenge. We live with the questions, too. And if we can find optimism — for ourselves, our families, our neighbors — so can you. We are all human, and we are all in this together.
“Defund the police” is a fool’s errand. We all know it. Don’t let the fools bully you. “Lord, forgive them, for they know not what they do!” I encourage you to keep the faith. Political correctness will come and go, but truth never dies. The silent majority respects you and supports the job you do faithfully and diligently, each and every day.
Be patient, be faithful and remember that ultimately your authority comes not from man, but from God. Work unto Him and you will see the fruits of your labor in due time.
You are loved! Godspeed!