Sufficient Grace

“My [Jesus’] grace is sufficient for thee:” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

   Psalm 101:3 says, “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:” That command is simple. Yet for a cop, it’s not always easy to follow. People can do wicked, vile things, and you have to deal with them. In the process of doing police work, though, you tend to get a consistent dose of moral garbage.

   In a child pornography case, for example, you must examine the evidence, no matter how sickening it is. On a rape, you need to include the creepy details to make your case before the jury. On a blood- and-guts homicide or suicide scene, you need to look closely at what happened to do a thorough report. On a trouble call at a strip club or porn shop, you need to do your job, regardless of what’s around you.

   All this temptation does not mean Christians should not be cops. God ordained human government, including its enforcement arm, the police. Romans 13:1 says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” Romans 13:4 also says, “…he [police] beareth not the sword [deadly weapon] in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath [legal punishment] upon him that doeth evil [the criminal].”

   For clarity, the idea of not setting something wicked before your eyes means you’re not looking at it by choice, dealing with it any more than you have to, or entertaining yourself with it. Yet the awful things you see on the job can affect you. Lamentations 3:51 says, “Mine eye affecteth mine heart…” How can you cope with all the garbage you see on the job? God’s word gives us help.

   First, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) If you’re called to some wicked place, take care of the problem you were called for and GET OUT. Do not stay one moment longer. If you’re with a group of cops somewhere and one starts a dirty joke or story, leave if you can, or ignore him if you can’t. Don’t let him be used by the devil to tempt you.

   Next, don’t entertain yourself with violent or sleazy shows or movies, even cop shows. Remember, the entertainment industry is about making money, not your spiritual well-being.

   Also, read God’s word often, and memorize and meditate on verses and passages. Doing this can cleanse and strengthen you spiritually, as well as help your memory: “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” (Psalm 119:9) “…I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you,” (1 John 2:14)

   Attend a Bible-preaching church faithfully, too. “…strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.” (Psalm 96:6) A Bible-preaching church is a sanctuary from the world’s wickedness; a place of strength; a place where Jesus’ name is honored, not used as a swear word; where the Bible is preached, not criticized; a place for Christians to encourage and strengthen each other: “Iron sharpeneth iron;” (Proverbs 27:17)

   Finally, pray about things that trouble you: “…bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (2 Corinthians 10:5) God already knows them: “…I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them.” (Ezekiel 11:5) As Psalm 105:1 says, “…call upon his name:” for His help.