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Words of Wisdom from the Past: Myrle Carner

January 24th, 2023

Occasionally, in looking through the old newsletters in our archives, we find challenging, thought-provoking articles that we would like to share again with our current day members and supporters. This issue's reprint comes from former FCPO President Myrle Carner. It originally appeared in the January/February 1982 issue of The Christian Peace Officer. Myrle is still an active FCPO member and faithful supporter.

I trust each of you had a super Christmas and I want to wish each of you God's richest blessing for the coming year. 

As I was preparing this brief letter, I couldn't help but think about how much fun I had with my family during the Christmas season. Even though Christmas has come and gone, I still see a few displays of Christmas lights around the city. This provoked a thought in my mind. I wondered if I was still a "Light" in this world.

I really believe that a lot of Christian officers feel they aren't very productive witnesses for Christ, but I know we underestimate our potential as "lights" in our world. We often think the world doesn't want the light, but we are mistaken. The world is crying for it! The people in your city are hungry and thirsty for the truth. They are waiting for the Christian to lead out with a lighted torch. I believe if they see the light, they will follow.

Sometimes, we become so obsessed with the machinery and obligations of the job that we concentrate all the light just doing our own work while other people all around us stumble in the darkness. We are too prone to hold the light at our own feet instead of high over our heads where all may see it. 

There is no such thing as having a talent and being free from the responsibility of it. There is no such thing as having a lighted lamp and having no responsibility to share it with those in darkness. There is no such thing as having an opportunity to do a good deed and escaping the responsibility to do it.

We may accuse those whom we think are dishonest with their talents, but what about those of us who hide our "Christian Light"? Isn't it time to let your Christian light shine on those who work with you? I really pray and hope that each of you will think about your individual responsibility to to share "Light" with someone during this new year.

Posted by Steve Rogers | Topic: Words of Wisdom from the Past

Chaplain's Corner - Public Service

January 24th, 2023

Mark 10:42-45 says, “Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus points out that being a leader is about humble, loving service. Being a leader is living in unity with those you lead. It is not about arrogant, prideful, self promotion. When we interview or investigate the people we wish to represent us in offices of public service, do we look to character or to charisma? Do we look at test scores or integrity? Do we look into a person’s background for examples of service, and humility? What are some of the ways we can measure these qualities?

I know I am a little biased but I believe most law enforcement officers in this country fulfill this verse. They have authority but they regard themselves as servants to all in their community. They leave for work knowing that today could be the day they get shot at or attacked. They go out and do jobs that no one wants to do, clean up messes that other people make or leave behind and they do it for a small salary.

The Bible tells us that, “By their fruit you will recognize them…” To be great, you must serve. To be a good servant, you must look for opportunities to love, and to perform acts of love, on your people. You must live in unity with your people so that you know what their struggles and needs are. This was the example set by Jesus, the greatest leader of all time.

Verses (NIV): Mark 10:42-45, Matthew 7:16

Charles (Chuck) Gilliland, Chaplain to the National Board
and Executive Director
In addition to being a veteran police officer himself, Chuck is also a past president of FCPO-USA and the author of the Through the Eyes of a Cop daily devotional book series. Chuck can be contacted at [email protected]

Posted by Steve Rogers | Topic: Chaplains Corner

Paul's Perspective - Changes

January 24th, 2023

The world we live in today seems to move at a faster pace than ever before.

Everywhere we look, new homes and businesses are being built, old homes and businesses are being torn down, and the neighborhoods we remember from childhood are becoming, more and more, a distant memory.

FCPO-USA isn’t immune to these changes, either. As a nationwide ministry, we see people transition in and out of active membership and leadership roles on an ongoing basis, just like any other organization or ministry.

With all these seemingly constant changes taking place around us, we need to keep in mind that there is One who never changes. Malachi 3:6 says, “I am the Lord, and I do not change." Hebrews 13:8 tells us, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

I pray that 2023 will be a year that sees us not distracted by change from the task in front of us, as laid out in the Great Commission, but staying focused on serving our Lord, who never changes and whose love is eternal.

Paul Lee, Executive Director (Retired Captain, Chattanooga P.D.)
Paul Lee retired from the Chattanooga Police Department with 29 years of service. He has been an FCPO member since 1995, is a former Chapter Chairman and has served in various capacities on the National Board.

Posted by Steve Rogers | Topic: From the Executive Director

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