Often I am asked where I get the time and the inspiration to write. Well, I must confess that my time is always borrowed time, and the inspiration comes from two sources. First, from God through the saving grace that He has given us. Second, from police officers just like you. The following is one example of this inspiration. Recently, I received an e-mail from an officer who wrote the following statement;
“I want to be a role model for Christ, as I have for so long been a role player. I want to lead by example and show others how God has and continues to work in my life.”
This officer’s simple but true statement touched me and I began to wonder just how many of us are performing as a “role player” versus being a “role model” for Christ? And the second part of that sentence is “what can I do to show others how God has worked in my life?”
There is no doubt that police officer’s are surrounded by evil. Without having a firm and strong spiritual foundation rooted in Jesus Christ we will never achieve the success that God has in store for us. One example of this evil is foul language. As officer’s we have all heard it and many of us (myself included) have been guilty of participating in it. But did you know that the Bible, which is God’s word, speaks directly against using foul language in many different passages. Here are just a few.
Ephesians 4:29 states;
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen”
“I want to be a role model for Christ, as I have for so long been a role player. I want to lead by example and show others how God has and continues to work in my life.”
This officer’s simple but true statement touched me and I began to wonder just how many of us are performing as a “role player” versus being a “role model” for Christ? And the second part of that sentence is “what can I do to show others how God has worked in my life?”
There is no doubt that police officer’s are surrounded by evil. Without having a firm and strong spiritual foundation rooted in Jesus Christ we will never achieve the success that God has in store for us. One example of this evil is foul language. As officer’s we have all heard it and many of us (myself included) have been guilty of participating in it. But did you know that the Bible, which is God’s word, speaks directly against using foul language in many different passages. Here are just a few.
Ephesians 4:29 states;
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen”
Colossians 3:8 states;
“But now you must put away anger, fury, malice, slander, and obscene language out of your mouths.”
To knowingly use foul language is a sin that is; it is going against God’s word. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:13; “God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it and when you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it”.
If you want to be a role player for Christ, then you should continue to use foul language and telling crude jokes and keep fitting in with your peers. Don’t let anyone know about the “hope that is in you” 1st Peter 3:15.
To be a role model for Christ is different. Romans 12:2 states:
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” To be a role model for Christ and means to “let your light shine” as we are instructed in Matthew 5:16 to do.
So, make your decision today and let others know that you are a not simply a “role player” for Christ but rather a “role model”. Be the example to show others that God expects us to be. Let others know just how God is working in your life and how much you desire for them to be a part of “the hope that is in you”. Always remember what Romans 6:13 says “Surrender your whole being to Him to be used for righteous purposes”. So, make your decision and make a stand for God, today!
