Godly Authority

Officers are being attacked, ridiculed, injured, and killed all over this country. This must stop!

Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. For it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For it is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath but also because of your conscience.   Romans 13:1-5 CSB

As a former law enforcement officer, I have dealt with many different types of situations.  Some of the ones arrested, complied, while others resisted and did not comply.  Both were still arrested, but the difference was the outcome.  I always strived to treat everyone I met with dignity and respect, even when I didn’t get that in return.  The same is true of our law enforcement officers today.

Law enforcement officers are not perfect.  Neither is the public.  We all have our faults and shortcomings.  However, the officers have been given a job to do.  Almost all of them do their job with professionalism, honor, integrity, and distinction.  Yes, there are a few bad apples, but that is true in any profession.  Departments do their dead-level best to route out the bad apples as soon as possible.

I have seen a very disturbing trend of late.  It is the disrespect of our law enforcement officers at an alarming rate.  Officers are being attacked, ridiculed, injured, and killed all over this country. This must stop!  The above passage of Scripture tells us all that we must respect the authority, as appointed by God.

Having served now for over 23 years with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office as their Senior Chaplain, I see these officers handle the worst situations you could imagine.  These brave and dedicated men and women see things on a daily basis that human beings were not designed to see.  They deal with people at their lowest points and are a help and resource to our community and our citizens.

These fine officers stand in the gap between good and evil and protect us every day.  They put on their uniform and leave their homes, unsure if they will return, due to the dangers of their job, but they do it anyway.  They should not be treated as they are in our country.

I am thankful that, for the most part, these men and women, who put it on the line each day, are treated well in Columbus County.  May we never forget that they are all that stands between us and chaos.  Thank you to all of our law enforcement officers throughout all of Columbus County, for your service and your sacrifice.  It does not go unnoticed.  

Keep up the good work and may God bless and protect you all!

Blessings!