Fellow Sheepdogs:
We finally had a much-needed weekend of rest ("Thank You, Lord!"). Now refreshed, we’re back on track for this week’s profession-relevant tactical Bible study/warrior fellowship meeting where I’ll be teaching on the topic of Samson as detailed in the Book of Judges – truly a “Cop’s story” (plug in athletes, military and any number of other warrior-relevant professions) if there ever was one. In fact, this week’s study could aptly be subtitled, “Pride and Compromise.” Please join us if you can and I’ll post a recap in next week’s newsletter for all those around the world who can’t.
Speaking of both Samson and recaps, we had a great time of tactical Bible study and fellowship at last Thursday's gathering. Our sobering topic centered on the subject of PRIDE – one of the most detrimental of sins (yes – selfish pride is SIN) -- and one which has an incredibly negative impact within the law enforcement profession. Here are the highlights:
Pride vs. Humility
The Book of Proverbs has a lot to say on the subject of “pride.” Proverbs 6:17 lists pride as one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Proverbs 8:13 states, The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. Pride and arrogance and the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate (yes, God hates sinful pride). Proverbs 13:10 says, By pride comes nothing but strife… Proverbs 11:2 tells us, When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 16:18, a VERY well known verse, warns us that, Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty (prideful) spirit before a fall.
We finally had a much-needed weekend of rest ("Thank You, Lord!"). Now refreshed, we’re back on track for this week’s profession-relevant tactical Bible study/warrior fellowship meeting where I’ll be teaching on the topic of Samson as detailed in the Book of Judges – truly a “Cop’s story” (plug in athletes, military and any number of other warrior-relevant professions) if there ever was one. In fact, this week’s study could aptly be subtitled, “Pride and Compromise.” Please join us if you can and I’ll post a recap in next week’s newsletter for all those around the world who can’t.
Speaking of both Samson and recaps, we had a great time of tactical Bible study and fellowship at last Thursday's gathering. Our sobering topic centered on the subject of PRIDE – one of the most detrimental of sins (yes – selfish pride is SIN) -- and one which has an incredibly negative impact within the law enforcement profession. Here are the highlights:
Pride vs. Humility
The Book of Proverbs has a lot to say on the subject of “pride.” Proverbs 6:17 lists pride as one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Proverbs 8:13 states, The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. Pride and arrogance and the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate (yes, God hates sinful pride). Proverbs 13:10 says, By pride comes nothing but strife… Proverbs 11:2 tells us, When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 16:18, a VERY well known verse, warns us that, Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty (prideful) spirit before a fall.
If we put ourselves on a pedestal, sooner or later, God will have to knock us off, for He is to be our God (first in our lives) and we are to have NO OTHER “god” above Him (there is a reason it is the 1st Commandment)! Clearly, we must not allow this type of sin into our lives and we must seek His help and grace in order to make that effort successful. We must also recognize that our God is sovereign and He is the one that has brought us everything that we might allow ourselves to be properly prideful about! When we know and accept that everything good that we have – including (especially) our commissions as officers – comes from God, then we are wise indeed.
The sin of pride has caused more problems within the law enforcement profession than perhaps any other single issue (one had but to walk around last year’s IACP Conference – the stench of arrogance and pride was overwhelming) and we – as Christian servant-leaders – need to be boldly walking with our Lord to change it.
To be fair, our God-ordained profession is certainly not alone in dealing with this issue. Pride in fact causes a host of problems in almost every area of life – INCLUDING the ministry (intellectual snobbery, pastors who fail to be the shepherds and true servant-leaders they are called to be, etc.).
So how do we overcome sinful pride in our lives? Here are some practical suggestions:
(1) Desire God's Will More Than Your Own
The proud person wants to be in control. Rather, God is calling us to obedience and submission to His lordship and word: And what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
2) Accept God's Unconditional Love
God wants us to have a balanced, healthy self-image because we believe two things. First, we believe He created us to be image-bearers of God. Second, we believe He loves us so much that He gave His own Son to save us and reconcile us to Himself.
(3) Develop the Quality of Humility
Jesus is our greatest example. He left the glories of heaven to come to earth and live life as a human being for thirty-three years. He humbled Himself to die a criminal's death on the cross for our salvation, and He invites us to come to Him and learn from Him: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (see also Philippians 2:5-11).
The story of Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26 provides a great treatise on the benefits of humility before God and the consequences of turning from Him out of pride (take the time to read this short chapter). Many years later, a proud pagan king learned the same lesson and expressed it aptly: Now, I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything He does is right and all His ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble. Daniel 4:37
Jeremiah 9:23-24 perhaps says it best: This is what the LORD says: Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight.
See also Isaiah 14:12-22 and Psalm 10:4.
If you have never put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ to save you, wouldn't today be a great time to begin a new life in Him? It takes humility to confess (repent) that you are a sinner and accept that you can NEVER be “good enough” to earn God's favor. Don't let pride keep you from a relationship with God – come to Him humbly today -- tomorrow may very well be too late.
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(1) Col. Ray Fairman (http://www.rayfairman.com/) in Georgia sent the following – please take a few minutes to watch and remember the sacrifice of all who served and serve: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=KTb6qdPu8JE .
(2) Tulsa (OK) PD Captain and fellow minister Travis Yates has a great website that is chock full of outstanding resources. There is a link to his site right here on ours or just click on http://thecenturionpapers.blogspot.com/. While I’m “here,” thanks to everyone who has commented on my being Travis’s recent guest on his new Centurion Radio show. There is a link to that broadcast on his site as well.
(3) A number of you have sent me the following and – while I think it is submitted out of context – it is nevertheless interesting given the perilous times we are living in:
The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. Ecclesiastes 10:2 Hmmm?
(4) Updated prayer requests and meeting announcements have been posted here on our website (next post) – please check back frequently -- and keep sending them my way.
(4) Updated prayer requests and meeting announcements have been posted here on our website (next post) – please check back frequently -- and keep sending them my way.
Let’s remain vigilant and stay the course with Christ as our Captain!
