Lawful Authority

​Authority.
Authority simply means that someone is in charge.
I need not tell you that lawful authority and law enforcement is under attack across America.
 Rebellious, disrespectful, disobedient, antagonistic, anti-authority thugs and violent criminals are attempting to dismantle our laws and give law enforcement a bad name.
 Lawlessness is a sign of the last days (see II Timothy 3:1-5). Law defying, law breaking elements have orchestrated events to discredit lawful authority. The liberal, anti-law and order media is drinking the poisonous Kool-Aid that police officers are evil and out to hurt the public.  As a patriotic American who loves his country, I am offended by such ignorance and insolence.  What is happening alarms, concerns, frustrates, enrages and grieves me. 
I have been, am and will always be a law-abiding citizen who respects, honors and supports lawful authority. 
I have relatives and friends who serve as police officers. I have been with them on “ride alongs” in the middle of the dark of night when most of you are sleeping. The dedicated officers protect the good guys while going after the bad guys. I must admit the little boy in this aging elder man gets a spine-tingling thrill when the light bar flashes and the siren blares as the police cruiser shifts into light speed in pursuit of evildoers.  
I have had a bird’s eye view of what really happens on the street. Law enforcement is an extremely dangerous and often thankless job. Every single day when law enforcement officers put on their badge and uniform to “protect and serve”, they face danger that you and I don’t. I challenge critics and detractors to put on the uniform for just one day and then see how they feel.
I heartily and proudly applaud every good police officer who puts their life on the line so you and I can live in a safe, orderly society.
Unfortunately, you and I know what our misguided culture is saying about lawful authority and law enforcement. So, what does the Bible, God’s Word have to say? What position should a professing Christian take regarding lawful authority?
Romans 13:2-4 states “Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil.”
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul writes five things about lawful authority.
1. Authority is from God.
2. Authorities are ministers of God for good.
3. Those who resist authority oppose the ordinance of God (not a good thing to do).  
4. Good guys have no reason to fear authority.
5. Bad guys have every reason to fear authority. Could it be that some people fear cops because they are doing something wrong? In no uncertain terms, Paul says authorities are avengers of God to those who bring trouble upon themselves by practicing evil.
Please note lawful rulers and law enforcement are God’s ministers and God’s avengers. Take that Marvel superheroes! They only bring about the harvest that evil people sow. Reaping what criminals sow is called correction, punishment. Police officers aren’t evil enemies. They are God’s ministers for good.
The rule of law and its enforcement is critical to order and survival of a republic like the United States. Anarchy and every evil sin reign when there is no lawful authority.
I have an idea. Why not take a personal stand against the tide of anti-authority and anti-law enforcement by standing tall with the over one million men and women in blue?
How To Show Support For Law Enforcement Officers

• Pray daily for divine protection for law enforcement and our military.  Ask God for big, REALLY BIG, BAD TO THE BONE WARRIOR ANGELS to protect officers when on duty.
• Request (nicely, but firmly and persistently!) that local media highlight stories of the immense good police officers do in the community. The good far outweighs any bad.
• Lobby government officials to get some backbone to publicly support and back up law enforcement officials.  Political correctness, criminal mentality, economic, pressure from racial or religious bias, and insurrectionist agendas cannot dictate how our leaders view law enforcement.  
• Demand without apology that criminals, street punks and thugs be called what they are and dealt appropriate punishment for their crimes. A crime is a crime.  A criminal is a criminal, not a saint!
• Speak up and demonstrate support for families of police officers so they will feel safe and secure while their loved ones are on duty.
• Teach your children and grandchildren to respect law enforcement officers. Show them by your example how to respect, respond to and obey authority. By nature kids love the police. 
• Perform a kind deed of service for your local police officers and police headquarters. Do this more than once. Make it a good habit for you and your children.
• If officers must shoot, pray they always shoot first, shoot straight and go home after their shifts! 

I have this law enforcement thing figured out. The way I see it, it’s a no brainer. 
When a police officer pulls you over, be respectful. Courteous. Cooperative. Comply with and obey his/her instructions. Make it easy for the officer to do their job. Don’t call the officer names, curse at him/her, threaten their personal safety in any way, or pull out your phone to record what you think is an injustice.  If you did something wrong, admit it, own it, take responsibility for it, and don’t hassle the officer who is doing what you would do if you were in his/her boots. Thank the officer for looking out for your safety.
As a fellow professing Christian, I remind and encourage you to believe and stand on God’s Word regarding authority. Almighty God backs, supports and blesses those who observe and obey authority toward Him, our marriages, our families, our friends and our society.
Stand shoulder to shoulder with lawful authority. Speak up. Speak out. Silence is not golden here. Don’t be deceived and duped by the anti-authority peddling media darlings and anarchists who are hell-bent on vilifying, crucifying and marginalizing police officers.
This all out, demonically inspired, evil, human assault on lawful authority will only result in cultural chaos, disorder, division, insurrection, anarchy and the destruction of the rule of law in America.
May that never be.
Almighty God watch over those You have appointed to watch over us.  In Jesus name. Amen!
A Word For Your Week: Pro-law enforcement is the proper position for professing, biblical Christians.