Ok first of all you should be able to conduct your peaceful hobby without the fear of molestation from slack-jawed yokels, white supremacists etc. Secondly, no one should loose a loved one due to the actions and hatred of another.
That said, why would you take up fishing as a hobby when you can not swim? This seems foolish unless you have hired a nice young man to run your baited hook from your rod, held safely in your hands while you sit inside your car, to the lake to fish. Unless this is an extreme sport that I am unfamiliar with it seems like a slightly foolish risk (Can you say shark repellant tester?). Even if you remove the possibility of roaming gangs of “pushy” thugs, any unfortunate calamity would involve drowning (gust of wind, too much beer, dropping the bait bucket). The proper selection of this hobby should involve the distancing from water rather than a friendly hug of aquatic citizens. This pairing of personal skills and hobby is equivalent to a: claustrophobic spelunker, a mountain climber with a fear of heights, a blind stunt pilot, a motion sick NASCAR driver or a diabetic confectioner. Please people think ahead.
-LINK- to the news story http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-drowning06sep06,0,2113541.story
Monday, September 10, 2007
Friday, September 7, 2007
Christian Policing
Respected
The Christian church is one of the last bastions that still harbors respect for Law Enforcement. I have found it (Sadly) incredibility refreshing that when one of my fellow parishioners discovers that I am a Police Officer, they do not treat me with suspicion or attempt to use me to justify their skewed and biased worldview. Strangers and pastors have sought me out for advice and consultation for no other reason than the respect they have for the profession. (I have also learned the hard way that I cannot just shoot my mouth off for the same reason, most of my pain is self-inflicted). I have attempted to remember a seminal personal experience for an antidotal story to support my experience of respect as a Christian Police Officer but every example seemed supercilious, so I will cite some verses and move on. You will experience this positive aspect of Police work for yourself. I am grateful that there still is a place that understands and honors, my commitment to Law Enforcement and our continued mission of helping others and stepping into harms way at our own personal risk for the sake of our citizenry. The world has not only forgotten this but further condemns those in authority. Proverbs 29:2 states: 2When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. 1 Peter 2:13-14 states: 13For the Lord's sake, accept all authority--the king as head of state, 14and the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish all who do wrong and to honor those who do right. 2 Peter 2:10 states: 10He is especially hard on those who follow their own evil, lustful desires and who despise authority. These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at the glorious ones without so much as trembling. Romans 13:7 states: 7Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and import duties, and give respect and honor to all to whom it is due. 1 Peter 2:17 states: 17Show respect for everyone. Love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God. Show respect for the king.
The Christian church is one of the last bastions that still harbors respect for Law Enforcement. I have found it (Sadly) incredibility refreshing that when one of my fellow parishioners discovers that I am a Police Officer, they do not treat me with suspicion or attempt to use me to justify their skewed and biased worldview. Strangers and pastors have sought me out for advice and consultation for no other reason than the respect they have for the profession. (I have also learned the hard way that I cannot just shoot my mouth off for the same reason, most of my pain is self-inflicted). I have attempted to remember a seminal personal experience for an antidotal story to support my experience of respect as a Christian Police Officer but every example seemed supercilious, so I will cite some verses and move on. You will experience this positive aspect of Police work for yourself. I am grateful that there still is a place that understands and honors, my commitment to Law Enforcement and our continued mission of helping others and stepping into harms way at our own personal risk for the sake of our citizenry. The world has not only forgotten this but further condemns those in authority. Proverbs 29:2 states: 2When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. 1 Peter 2:13-14 states: 13For the Lord's sake, accept all authority--the king as head of state, 14and the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish all who do wrong and to honor those who do right. 2 Peter 2:10 states: 10He is especially hard on those who follow their own evil, lustful desires and who despise authority. These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at the glorious ones without so much as trembling. Romans 13:7 states: 7Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and import duties, and give respect and honor to all to whom it is due. 1 Peter 2:17 states: 17Show respect for everyone. Love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God. Show respect for the king.
Guiding Biblical Principle
Romans 13:1-5 (New International Version)
Submission to the Authorities 1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
Submission to the Authorities 1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
The Beginning
I have set up this blog in order to explore the meanings of Christian Faith for believers in law enforcement. Plus whatever else strikes me. More content to come in the future.
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