"Don't Judge Me!" TCLEM/FCPO-Denver Newsletter

Our own James "Jimmy" Wattles (law enforcement legend and now a CSP chaplain) did a great job teaching a message he entitled "To Serve and Protect" at last week's Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry/FCPO-Denver"cop church" fellowship. As always, I've posted his recap below. We encourage you to use/adapt it to your own studies and devotions.

This week we'll be on the east side of the metroplex for our monthly meeting at Calvary Chapel Aurora where I'll be sharing a message on the oft-misunderstood/misapplied passage from Matthew 7:1 which reads, "Do not judge so that you will not be judged." Many proclaim "Don't judge me!" However, what does this verse actually mean and what is the application? On Thursday we'll explore what our Lord Himself has to say based on context and the whole counsel of His word (you may be surprised...), along with an application to those of us serving in our God-ordained profession of law enforcement.

Invite a colleague, bring your spouse and join us. We'll start at 7 PM in Room 138/139 off the cafe (follow the signs). I'll of course post a detailed RECAP for everyone else in next week's newsletter -- stay tuned!
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Study RECAP

To Serve and Protect By Jim Wattles

Long before the slogan, "To Serve and Protect" emblazoned a patrol car, it was the motto of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. The whole purpose of Jesus' life was to be our servant and willingly give His life on the cross for us -- the ultimate act of protection.

Jesus rebuked and taught His own disciples, after overhearing them disputing who among them was the greatest of Jesus's disciples. Mark 9:35 says, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." Jesus added more in Mark 10:44-45, "And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

As young police officers, I believe we all had the idea that we were servants and our job was to help those in need. But, what kind of attitude do you see in officers with 5-6 years on the job? I would bet most have hardened hearts due to the endless and senseless violence, sexual immorality, drugs and lack of support in the communities they serve. They find that their "heroic" efforts to rid their communities of crime have led to citizen complaints, disciplinary actions and probably a higher crime rate. The attitude of being a servant is very likely to have changed to that of being a "doormat". The late author and Bible teacher, Oswald Chambers, said in his book, 'My Utmost For His Highest', "If I am devoted solely to the cause of humanity, I will soon be exhausted and come to the point where my love will waver and stumble. But if I love Jesus Christ personally and passionately, I can serve humanity, even though people treat me like a doormat." The late Pastor Charles Spurgeon wrote, "Because we could not do much, we have half resolved to do nothing." Low morale, poor workmanship and poor attitude is often the the norm for many officers.

As Christian police officers, we need to do our jobs with Jesus as our example. We need to remember that we came to serve (Matthew 20:28). We have to realize that God doesn't recognize police officers as heroes and God doesn't praise us for risking our lives for others in the communities we serve, but rather hopes to see us as His humble servants and sheepdogs protecting His sheep. We need to accept our roles that we have been placed in; we needn't whine when we don't get promoted or don't get assigned to that special unit; we needn't whine when we don't get that pat on the back. Rather, we are called to be like Paul, who, even while sitting in a prison, rejoiced in his circumstances that God had placed him in.

How are we supposed to accomplish this? Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Moreover, we can boldly ask God to anything so long as it is in accordance with His will. Matthew 7:7 tells us, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Our faith in Jesus Christ needs to be strengthened through prayer. We need to say "Good Morning" to Him each day and "Good Night" to Him each night and to maintain communication with Him throughout each day, so that we can assure ourselves He will be there when we need the Holy Spirit to guide us in those split second decisions that are part of our daily routine. Spurgeon said, "The Spirit is said to do what only God can do, namely, to dwell in the hearts of all believers."

As servants and protectors, we need to follow John 13:34-35 "A new commandments I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." This is of course impossible for those officers who don't know Christ as Savior and Lord, but it a command for Christian officers. Moreover, failure to forgive others their trespasses (sins, failings) will result in God not forgiving ours (Matthew 6:14-15).

So, how do you look at yourself? Are you a "hero" or a "doormat"? Are you a "servant" or do you desire to be "served"? Let Jesus Christ be your example. Mark 9:35 says, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all."

Amen!
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Time to get back into the fray. As always, feel free to contact me if you need prayer, counsel, etc. Be safe but bold in the service of Christ our Captain.

Det. Sgt. & Chaplain M.C. Williams
Director, The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry
Vice President, Fellowship of Christiain Peace Officers - USA (www.FCPO.org)