Briefing: Have you ever felt alone? Law enforcement officers often find themselves on calls where they wish they had backup.

Dispatch (Assignment): Read Romans 11:1-10.

On the Street: When I was working a district car, it was always better with a partner. I made less mistakes, the shift seemed to go by faster, and we got more work done. When I rode out alone I would still see other officers on calls and breaks but it was not as fun and safe as having a partner to ride with.

This passage will sound so familiar to some of you. I have felt this way on occasion. If you are a Christian who works hard to live a life worthy of the name Christian, you have probably felt this way. When Christian officers are more concerned about their reputation and being accepted than they are about standing up for Christ, they can become a source of frustration to other Christians. When we are not supportive and encouraging of each other it can make for a lonely existence. Christian peace officers can find themselves feeling like they are the only people in their department who are willing to take a stand for Christ. Unfortunately, this is more common than any of us would like to admit.

Paul gives the example of Elijah, found in 1 Kings 19, who endured the same loneliness. How do we combat this? Find a Christian co-worker to team up with. You may not be in the same place in your walk with God but there is common ground. In the Bible, Paul found a young man named Timothy that he took under his wing and made a disciple. God does not want us to be alone.

The Bible is very clear on the importance of teaming up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” When Jesus sent out His disciples to the villages, He sent them in pairs. Mark 6:7 says, “Calling the Twelve to Him, He sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.” In Genesis 2:18, “The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Proverbs 27:17, “As Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Ecclesiastes 4:12, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Investigational Resources: 1 Kings chapter 19.

Officer Safety Principle: I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a ministry partner. If you don’t have one, pray that God will send you someone. Also, please pray for the other men and women in departments where they feel alone.

from The Book of Romans Through the Eyes of a Cop
©by Charles Gilliland. Used by permission.
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