When Cops Go Bad!

The Holy Bible tells us that as servants of the Lord we must live in peace with all men and obey the powers that are set up to govern this Earth. According to the book of Romans Chapter 13, in honoring the laws of the land we also showed honor to God who ordained them.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

The rulers of the people were likewise admonished by God that they use their positions to uphold righteous judgements and not give in to selfish lusts and sin. Many Christians question if it is possible to be a true follower of Christ while also being a member of a law enforcement agency. This was a question that John the Baptist addressed with the soldiers of his day. He instructed them with these words:

Luke 3:14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

It is a great tragedy in this world that these precious teachings have been long forgotten by so many of the men and women of law enforcement today. Below are just 3 of countless horror stories of common men and women who suffered needlessly at the hands of law enforcement officials devoid of wisdom or mercy!

DO VIOLENCE TO NO MAN!

When those who have made a vow to serve and protect decide to abuse their authority, who will protect the average citizen from them? The reports of excessive force and deadly force being perpetrated by law enforcement officials today have reached epidemic proportions. Most disturbing is the fact that many of these incidents will never reach the national news and are relegated to the real of blogs and social media. In the teaching of John the Baptist, he admonishes the soldiers to “Do Violence to No Man” we understand that as soldiers it was their duty to keep the peace, put down rebellions and even serve in war. John the Baptist is clearly speaking against the unprovoked violence which was perpetrated by the soldiers of the ancient world against their fellow man. These same abuses power can be clearly seen among many law enforcement officials today.

NEITHER ACCUSE ANY FALSELY!

Law enforcement officials are given a unique responsibility of not only preventing crimes but also punishing wrongdoers according to the law. These punishments can range from levying of fines, to loss of freedom and in some cases even escalate to loss of life. With stakes this high it is important that those who enforce the law be held to the highest standards of morality in terms of speaking the truth in issues of Crime and Punishment.

Proverbs 12:17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. 19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. 20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. 22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

The heavenly father despises all liars and those who would bear false witness. This sin is especially abominable when committed by those who are sworn to uphold truth!

Exodus 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

BE CONTENT WITH YOUR WAGES!

John the Baptist also admonished the soldiers to “be content with their wages”. It is an unfortunate fact of life that those who are in positions of authority often use violence and intimidation to extort or even steal from those less powerful than themselves. Law enforcement officials have a notorious reputation for illegally seizing monies and property of individuals who have little to no recourse in having their goods returned. This is why the Holy Bible speaks against covetousness and warns that the thieves and covetous would not inherit the Kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

We pray that the brave men and women who serve proudly in law enforcement would keep themselves from all unrighteousness and serve the Lord in truth and sincerity. You have been given a position of honor in this world and before the Lord. Therefore do not disobey his voice by committing wickedness against those you have sworn to serve!

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