CHRIST, COPS AND PRESIDENT TRUMP

Christ, Cops and President Trump

By: Chris Amos

We are living in difficult and divisive times, and none are more aware of that than the men and women of law enforcement. You face daily what anyone in their right mind, when given a choice, chooses to ignore. Life is unfair, unjust and often unimaginable to many living in their self-created “safe zones.”  The reality is, apart from the presence of law enforcement officers, the very thought of a “safe zone” for one’s life, let alone their fragile psyche, would be non-existent. The safety that we enjoy in this nation we owe to the grace of God and the faithful service of over 800,000 law enforcement and corrections officers. 

We are a year away from an election that may redefine America, and in doing so redefine what a law enforcement officer can or cannot do. Look no further than Portland, Oregon or Seattle, Washington to see police departments so handcuffed by their political leaders that they cannot provide the very services they swore an oath to provide.  

What has prevented this from sweeping the nation was the unexpected election of President Trump. Could there have been a greater swing in attitudes toward law enforcement than that of the Obama and Trump administrations? Five years ago, Obama was sending representatives to the funeral of Michael Brown, a thug, bully and robbery suspect, shot and killed while attacking a police officer. Two years ago, Trump was signing an executive order stating, “This first executive order will place the government firmly on the side of federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement. This will ensure that funding supports officers on the street, and anyone who tries to do them harm will be aggressively prosecuted.”  

President Trump has breathed life and respect into an occupation that has been grossly and unfairly misrepresented in the mainstream media to great effect. Both the POTUS and the VPOTUS have time and time again gone out of their way to personally thank LEOs detailed to their respective events, as well as in general. 

Now what does Jesus Christ have to do with any of this? If you look at Jesus’ interaction with Roman soldiers in the gospels, you will find He treated them with respect, going so far as to laud one Roman’s centurion’s faith above all in Israel [Matthew 5:8-13]. Now, the Roman soldiers were an occupying police force during the time of Jesus. They were the LEOs of His time. In fact, John the Baptist baptized a group of these hardened men and when asked what they were to do now, he responded to serve righteously and justly. Not intimidating or using their power and authority for selfish gain [LUKE 3:14]. He did not say, lay down your swords and spears and pursue another line of work. Quite the contrary, it was known then as it is now that LEOs are critically important to maintaining a civil society. LEOs have much authority and must give an account of how that authority is used, but have the authority none the less. Authority that ultimately comes from God, ROMANS 13:1-4. 

People are quick to paint God as a loving, passionate, merciful God which He most assuredly is. But often it is at the expense of God’s attributes as holy, righteous and just. God and God only has the authority to display JUSTICE – getting the punishment we deserve, MERCY – not getting the punishment we deserve, or GRACE – getting the blessings we do not deserve. In God’s economy He uses LEOs to exercise His justice; this is why abuse of His justice is so destructive and accountability so important. 

What am I trying to say, friends? You play a very important role in what God is doing in our nation today. Your role and significance will only increase in the coming months as will the opposition. No matter what comes your way follow the advice of John the Baptist, “Serve righteously and justly. Not intimidating or using your power and authority for selfish gain.” Friend, do that and you will overcome the self-proclaimed experts, media critics, and coffee-serving haters across the country.