Briefing: One of the things I take great comfort in knowing is God is the same today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow. I like that rock solid assurance. What else can you think of that you can trust in to be there no matter what?

Dispatch (Assignment): Read Matthew 5:17-20. It might also be interesting to compare departmental policy on a topic, car chases for example, to see how it has changed in the last couple of years.

On the Street: As LEOs, one thing we rely on is the law. The thing about earthly law, whether it is federal, state, local or departmental law is that it often changes. I have worked for an agency where the administrators would change policy and/or procedure at will. There were periods of time when I would walk into work and have to ask what the policy was for that day.

Jesus reassures the crowd that He has not come to “abolish” the law. He has come to rock their world and correct their misunderstanding of the law. They, like us, have gotten confused on what He has called us to be. We get so wrapped up in man-made laws, and following it “to the tee” that we miss the purpose and the intent.

Jesus speaks of fulfilling the law. How? All the prophecies that were written are coming true in Him. He has come to be a living example of how we are to live. He is the fulfillment of the law.

When you are off duty, are you the fulfillment of the law? Do you speed, run red lights, lie, look lustfully at another person, or have anger towards someone? The word Christian was originally a put down to people who imitated Jesus. They were called “little Christs”. Now we proudly wear it like a badge!?! Don’t we? We are called to walk around teaching and telling!

Highlights from this Read: “unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven”. Wow, that is scary. This is not some insurmountable, impossible feat. The righteousness of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were works without faith. The Pharisees of Jesus’ time were not very righteous; therefore, this was something that could be accomplished with a little work.

Investigational Resources: For more on faith and works, see James 2:14-26.

Officer Safety Principle: When you are off duty, how is your behavior? Are you setting the example? If Jesus was the sun and you were the moon, how much of His light would you be reflecting to others around you?

from The Gospel of Matthew Through the Eyes of a Cop
&copyby Charles Gilliland. Used by permission.
Click here to check out the entire Through the Eyes of a Cop series!