Briefing: What is the goal of a rookie while they are in training? The goal of the agency, or department, is to take the new recruit and get them trained to a level where they can function as a law enforcement officer without any assistance.

Dispatch (Assignment): Read John 3:22-36.

On the Street: I can remember being in training for a full year. I had six months of police academy training and six months of field training. By the time I was released to work as a solo officer, I had been given every opportunity and tool to be successful.

As a parent, my goal is to raise my children from infancy to young adults. My responsibility is to lead them to a point in their life where I can release them to be able to function independent of anyone. I want to get them to a point where they can live on their own. It is much like the scenario of the rookie law enforcement officer.

This way of thinking is easy for us to understand. It is the natural progression of life, or is it?

As a Christian, my spiritual life should run contrary to this model. When we get saved and give our life to Christ, most of us come to Him as fully independent spiritual beings. As we mature in our faith, we learn to trust God more. The closer we get to God and understand His ways, by reading His Word, the more we should desire to be like Him.

I want to imitate Jesus and follow the example He set for us while on this Earth. As my life progresses, I find myself giving up things like pride and ego. My desires, dreams, and goals begin to line up with God’s will for my life. John the Baptist said it best, “He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30 (NIV). I have a long way to go but to quote the last part of Hebrews 12:1 (NIV), “…and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” This life is a marathon, not a sprint. Be strong and stay the course. Learn to trust Him more and more each day.

When people look at my life, I want them to see a reflection of Jesus in how I act, what I say and how I live my life. As I continue on this journey to Christian maturity, I want less of me and more of Him.

Investigational Resources: For a deeper study on running the race with endurance, read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

Officer Safety Principle: Has Jesus changed your life? Can you see it? Can other people see Jesus in your life?

from The Gospel of John Through the Eyes of a Cop
©by Charles Gilliland. Used by permission.
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