Briefing: How many leaders give glory to God? Can you name any leaders from the business world, in government or in the entertainment industry who overtly allow their faith to show through their words and actions?

Dispatch (Assignment): Read Psalm 2.

On the Street: Are we living in the last days? There is no question the earth is groaning. In the last couple of years we have seen fires that rave whole states, record breaking hurricanes, flooding, and deadly earthquakes. This does not even begin to describe the people and culture of our times.

As much as the extremes in our earth point to the coming end, the people of our day confirm this by their hate. It is extremely rare to find a leader now that takes an unapologetic stand for Christ. As a law enforcement officer I have served under an atheist, an agnostic, several “behind closed door Christians” and others who I have no idea what they believed. I have also worked for Christian men and women during all stages of their Christian walk.

I find it easier in today’s society to find true believers. I am not saying there are more believers out there but the culture is making it extremely hard to be an outspoken Christian. The years of people going to church on Sunday just to mingle and network are over. When I was growing up, almost all the people in my community went to church. Stores were closed and the sidewalks were rolled up on Sunday mornings.

Today, church is very different. People only go to church if they mean it or are seeking out God. Church is no longer a “country club” atmosphere where everyone wants to go and be seen. In Matthew 12:30 Jesus says, “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.” We have moved from a “Christian nation” to a politically correct, all accepting nation of hateful people.

Ladies and Gentlemen, there is a line drawn in the sand. You must pick a side. This line is very similar to the thin blue line you have already crossed. You have made that decision but do not confuse the two lines. One is a line to protect society from evil and do what is right. The one we are talking about in this devotional is even more dangerous and controversial. Crossing this line is choosing to take a stand and live for Jesus Christ. If you think people hate you now because of the badge and the job, wait till they find out you are counted as one of God’s children.

The last two beatitudes make the distinction between these two lines a little clearer. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” You can take this verse and pin it on your uniform. This is the blessing associated with what we do as law enforcement officers and for those who stand on the right side of the thin blue line. Jesus then gives a blessing for the ones who cross the line to live for Him. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

If you have crossed the thin blue line and stand on the side of righteousness then you are blessed. But be warned (as stated in verse 10), this line will fade away. The only line that will last and matter is the line we cross when we give our life to Jesus, when we take the free gift of salvation that He is holding out to you right now. He is asking you to take it and choose Him. This chapter ends with the words, “Blessed are all who take refuge in Him”.

Investigational Resources: 1 Peter 4:7, Matthew 12:30, 5:10-11, Psalm 2:12 and Galatians 6:7.

Officer Safety Principle: This world and everything in it will burn. Don’t fall short of the line that saves.

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