Abuse of Power in America’s Law Enforcement!?

There is no lack of evidence and media coverage in the last few years of law enforcement taking wrong actions and causing deaths because of abuse of power, fear, overreach of authority and most likely, bigotry.  I have remained silent on these issues recently in an attempt to look through the lens of objectivity and scripture so that my responses and thoughts are not emotional salt in readily forced open wounds.  That being said, I have come to conclude a few things that may be of interest for the body of Christ to consider and understand that we have a platform not so much for change, but for grace and power.

Here are seventeen thoughts on the recent issues related to police violence and death.  If you are not privy to what I am referring, then just turn on a news broadcast, you will quickly be informed.

1. Christians should not be surprised by the fact that people are wicked, hateful, racist, power hungry and murderous.  It’s the nature of the human condition that we are at inception fully focused on self and self feelings and self power.  So do not think it strange… that racism and power have not subsided.
2. Christians should know that while these happenings are not new and while they are extremely wicked and evil, things could be and have been worse.  This is not to down play anything but to remind us of history and that if things do not change, they will become very very worse.
3. Christians should always remember that even in the worst of American history, many in other countries are suffering to a greater degree at the present time.  So many people in other lands are even suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ, and they are being tortured and burned for it.
4. Christians should be aware that there is a proven fear of “black” men in America even among the “black” culture according to recent research done at Stanford University but even so, these recent happenings are not bad because they are targeted, they are result of bigoted fear and hunger for control and power. At the core of it stands power and pride.  It is wicked because it is an attack against people, those who bear the image of God, not because of skin color or economy.
5. Christians should remember that even though our laws and constitution protects against such actions, the erosion of truth among the “church” and the failure of focus has aided in making the law of America less necessary.
6. Christians should realize that because of this “lawless” mentality that the culture has established entitlement over justice whereby those who are not “in power” are abused by the entitlement of power. Staying alive is not entitlement, it is a natural right for all people, especially when the constitution grants it.
7. Christians should know that ALL authority is placed in power by God and is known as those who govern or rule.  Scripture also teaches that those who do “good” or live “rightly” should have no fear of the sword.
8. Then why is there a need to fear law enforcement?  Even when doing right after doing wrong is doing right (ie. submitting to discussion or arrest.)  Even then, the police are NOT government.
9. Christians should realize that according to our own laws and government, that law enforcement is NOT authoritative but “enforcing” the laws of those who govern. They are to abide by the law, not violate the law because they are slaves to the public who pay their salaries in taxes, both property and sales.  Slaves have no authority over their masters, such as the police, if not abiding by the law, are unable to enforce correction or subjection of another to their desires. Police do not have any authority over the law nor over those who are not in violation thereof.
10. Christians, never forget that all governments are established by God for good.  The USA is for the good of righteousness and justice and the laws that God has established in this country allow for resistance against tyranny by public servants who do not care about the preservation of life and a violation of liberties.
11. Many citizens of this country are unaware of the severity of this issue while others are deeply aware and grieved and would be willing to die for the sake of the liberties of future generations.
12. Justice sits at the center of God’s essence as His holiness is an outward display of his intrinsic worthiness.
13. Therefore, while social justice is NOT the main issue among believers, and while it is not the call and purpose of the church, it is something that should be top of mind for the church because the gospel itself is a direct image of God’s justice toward evil so that the church should have a heart and voice for the oppressed.
14. In our culture it isn’t just violence, murder, and police brutality but also corporate greed and power that have overstepped the righteousness of God and His establishment of justice.  This greed has created a slavery of poverty and a powerful control over enterprise that keeps many under its thumb.
15. Christians, remember that the message of the cross subjects ALL people to the justice of God who will rightly bring recompense on all who do not believe and for all who are in Christ, he has placed His wrath apportioned for them on Jesus Christ His Son.
16. Christians should remember that no real justice will be found in this world and that which is seen does not suffice in the light of God’s holiness. So all the greatest judgment seen in this Earth pales in comparison with the justice of the face of God as He parts to each one that which is deserved.
17. Christians should respond as she is created to respond.  Here are a few closing thoughts on what that looks like:
    1. She cannot lose her mission.
    2. She needs to remember that God may NOT grant change in these areas.
    3. She holds fast to the truth that on the Gospel preached will change anything that is changed.
    4. She should WEEP, not nash her teeth over this evil.
    5. She should remain humble and grateful for God’s sovereignty in all things.
    6. She should remain peaceful, even when in battle, so that Christ’s holiness is seen in her.
    7. She should rejoice when one wicked one comes to faith and rejoice in the forgiveness of murder.
    8. She should make her mind settle on the truth of scripture, not the error of man’s understanding and media.

In the end, whether these things stop or not, the church has an obligation to the lost and the hurting.  PRAY beloved and proclaim the True Gospel (Good News), not the “NOT GOSPEL” ways of this world.