In my Bible study this week, I came across Daniel 12:3. In this verse, Daniel is prophesying about a specific group. These are people who are different from the rest of civilization based on the way they act and the wisdom they possess. The verse says, “Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” (NASB). This is how I would describe Christian law enforcement officers and other Christians.
FCPO-USA Executive Director Paul Lee and I have been friends for going on 15 years. Each year, we read the One Year Bible plan. We often call, text, or email each other concerning things we have read. Most of the time, it is to share our excitement over what God does for us or promises to us. We see how God speaks directly to law enforcement in His Word and how He is proud of the work law enforcement officers do on a daily basis. One of the topics we seem to land on every year is how God’s requirements for Christians line up perfectly with society’s expectations of modern-day law enforcement.
There are so many similarities between the lifestyles of a peace officers and that of Christians. They are both called by God and different from those around them. Both groups can find instructions on their earthly calling in the Bible. They both have their own lingo. They consider each member as part of their unique family. They have a worldview that is shaped by the lifestyle they are called to live. They both live differently from the world by having a different set of morals, ethics, and values. They are both intimately familiar with authority and chain-of-command. They both have a distinct set of armor that they are called to wear for protection. They both have a responsibility to save those outside their family from death (one physical death, one from spiritual death). Through their teaching and training, they are expected to be good, righteous, and just in all their dealings. They are supposed to live a life of example to others. They are both called to live a life of service to others. They are both hated by people in our society that are not part of their family. In both groups, the buy-in to the ideas of their calling is very important. They both have a goal of peace. And the similarities go on and on.
Even though we share an unbelievable amount of similarities between us, there is one major difference between the Christian and the non-believing peace officer, and that is salvation and eternity. I would never suggest that a peace officer could not be a Christian, I am just pointing out the glaring difference between the two callings.
Law enforcement has an earthly, occupational calling. It has no requirement to know Christ or come to faith in Him. Without Christ, there is no salvation or eternity in heaven. The other calling is greater than any man on this earth could ever imagine. It is the calling to the family of God as an invitation to be one of His children. These are who Daniel speaks of in this verse. Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. My prayer is that all law enforcement officers all over the world would move from their earthly calling to the spiritual calling and become Christ followers.
