Briefing: Do you remember the first time someone trusted you with real responsibility?

Dispatch (Assignment): Read Psalm 8.

On the Street: David starts this Psalm in the same way Jesus taught His disciples to pray. Giving glory to God is the reason we were created. It makes me question my own prayer life and how often I give Glory to God. He is the creator of all and the sustainer of all. All is from Him and belongs to Him. He is the great “I AM”.

In light of who God is, it amazes me that in verse 6 David was speaking about mankind. David says to God, “You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet:” God made human beings, and He loves everyone He made, then He put us (law enforcement) over them to protect them. This is an incredible act of trust. We will be accountable for how we treated His children when we stand before Him in judgment. This is when you will either be commended for loving God’s children or condemned for not loving His children. It is important we get this right because it can have eternal consequences.

God does not take this responsibility lightly and neither should we. At the same time, we cannot get arrogant or over confident thinking we are the source of the law, protection and authority. God uses us like He uses the little children in verse 2. “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” We are nothing but the little children God is using for His purpose. To think any higher of ourselves or our job is silly. Don’t misunderstand what I am saying, we have been given great responsibility as law enforcement officers. But if we don’t recognize where our true authority comes from, and who we actually work for, we are missing the point.

The majority of people who serve in law enforcement were called to this job, but not all of us are set apart. That does not occur until we acknowledge, repent and trust Jesus. Look at Romans 1:1 for a deeper understanding between being called and being set apart. Christian law enforcement officers are both called and set apart.

As practicing Christian law enforcement officers, we are given great responsibility to influence and protect God’s flock. Some call us sheepdogs and I believe that is a great representation of who we are. Sheepdogs have a purpose and a master. Without the master, the sheepdog has no purpose or guidance.

Investigational Resources: Romans 1:1.

Officer Safety Principle: Jesus said we must come to Him like little children, accepting the free gift of salvation.

from Psalms Through the Eyes of a Cop, Volume 1
©by Charles Gilliland. Used by permission.
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