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Decky:
Hello Forum,

I am soliciting your heartfelt and sincere advice. First of all, let me say that over the last two weeks, I have slowly been regaining my trust in the Lord again. My prayer life is still a little lagging, but I can sense that the intense anger I've felt for the past year has subsided significantly.

Now, for my question. I recently read an opinion on another site that a Christian should not be a policeman. I have been one for almost 10 years, and have always felt that this is where the Lord has me, which I know is true regardless, but the scriptures that were used were very compelling, mainly Psalm 17:13, and all of Jesus' admonishments to "put away the sword," and to "resist not evil"-which I have to do on a daily basis, as the very purpose of my job is to resist evil perpetrated on innocent citizens-and also the fact that I have to do violence on anyone who resists, contrary to what John the Baptist told the soldiers when they came to be baptised(Luke 3:14).

So, my heart is pricked to consider another career. But I wanted to ask you all what your thoughts are on the matter. I'm not going to just go and quit without searching the matter more fully(And also making sure I have another job lined up, or I'll lose my house!), so any advice or insight anyone can offer will be greatly appreciated. I have a feeling I answered my own question, but again, any insight I believe would be of help.

Thank you,
D

Dennis Vogel:
In a perfect world there would be no need for police.

You are in an honorable profession and I see no conflict.

Mat 8:8  The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

Mat 8:9  For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

Mat 8:10  When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

I don't see Jesus tell the centurion to find another profession (sin no more).

And I agree that you should not give up the bird in your hand. Jobs may be very hard to come by soon.

Dennis

Samson:

--- Quote from: Decky on November 17, 2008, 06:41:12 AM ---Hello Forum,

I am soliciting your heartfelt and sincere advice. First of all, let me say that over the last two weeks, I have slowly been regaining my trust in the Lord again. My prayer life is still a little lagging, but I can sense that the intense anger I've felt for the past year has subsided significantly.

Now, for my question. I recently read an opinion on another site that a Christian should not be a policeman. I have been one for almost 10 years, and have always felt that this is where the Lord has me, which I know is true regardless, but the scriptures that were used were very compelling, mainly Psalm 17:13, and all of Jesus' admonishments to "put away the sword," and to "resist not evil"-which I have to do on a daily basis, as the very purpose of my job is to resist evil perpetrated on innocent citizens-and also the fact that I have to do violence on anyone who resists, contrary to what John the Baptist told the soldiers when they came to be baptised(Luke 3:14).

So, my heart is pricked to consider another career. But I wanted to ask you all what your thoughts are on the matter. I'm not going to just go and quit without searching the matter more fully(And also making sure I have another job lined up, or I'll lose my house!), so any advice or insight anyone can offer will be greatly appreciated. I have a feeling I answered my own question, but again, any insight I believe would be of help.

Thank you,
D

--- End quote ---

   Good Morning Dechy,

                                An interesting Question, one that I won't pass Judgement on, but consideration of
                                your last paragragh, " your Heart being pricked ", I'd like to add Romans. 14:23b. " INDEED
                                EVERYTHING THAT IS NOT OUT OF FAITH IS SIN. " If the possibility of killing someone
                                in self defense while performing your duties bothers your conscience, maybe you could
                                find another job within the Department that doesn't put you in that position.

                                The same principle might apply regarding Warfare, " NOT BEING PUT IN A POSITION
                                 WHERE I MIGHT KILL SOMEONE." I personally wouldn't want to be in that position in
                                 either case, preferring an alternative, as it might bother my conscience, BUT I'M NOT
                                 YOU and won't pressure you in either direction, letting God work in you through prayer
                                 and your personal Scriptural reflection. I don't recall anything specific from Ray on being
                                 a Policeman, but by what you state in your Introduction, I wish we had more like you, ones
                                 that care what they do.

                                                               Kind Regards, Samson.

mharrell08:

--- Quote from: Dennis Vogel on November 17, 2008, 07:24:12 AM ---In a perfect world there would be no need for police.

You are in an honorable profession and I see no conflict.

Mat 8:8  The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

Mat 8:9  For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

Mat 8:10  When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

I don't see Jesus tell the centurion to find another profession (sin no more).

And I agree that you should not give up the bird in your hand. Jobs may be very hard to come by soon.

Dennis
--- End quote ---

I agree with Dennis and Samson as well. Here was an email that Ray wrote responding to Alex's question on the same subject regarding professions:

Dear Alex:  The main criteria in selecting an occupation or profession is whether you can obey God doing the things that your particular profession requires.  Could you be a policeman?  Possibly, but it would be hard to justify shooting people if necessary.  Medical doctors push drugs. Many drugs are extremely harmful, whereas a few are very beneficial. But there are certain protocols to administering proper medications for virtually all diseases. You will not last long if you buck the system and decide for yourself which drugs you will or will not administer. See what I mean?  If you had your own private practice, it is more feasible to stick to only low-risk, very beneficial drugs, but when you are coming up through the ranks, you do not have this privilege. Can one be a lawyer and be totally obedient to God? Yes. Will you be very successful, as the world measures success?  Maybe not.
Etc. This is a big topic, and I do not like to get involved in making such decisions for anyone. This is an area you must look at very carefully for yourself, I'm afraid.,
God be with you,
Ray


Hope this helps,

Marques

musicman:
If you feel that your calling is to be a police, don't leave that profession.  We need good police men/women.  Defending others from evil is not resisting evil against yourself.  And if you don't defend yourself in a certain situation you will not be able to defend others.  I know that this is tricky one.  Someone points a gun at you, you feel that you are breaking God's law by firing back.  First of all, don't make up such scenarios in your mind and follow the oath that you took.  I'm sure part of that oath is defending yourself in the line of duty.  Perhaps I'm wrong about that, though.

Oh, and no Rodney King incidents, please!!

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