Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Things have certainly changed since I taught school in the years from 1977-1986. Now a “School Resource Officer” (SRO) is on duty every school day at our children’s elementary school and middle school.
Information on our city’s Police Department website states that:
“SROs work closely with administrators in an effort to create a safer environment for both students and staff. The responsibilities of SROs are similar to regular police officers in that they have the ability to make arrests, respond to calls for service, and document incidents that occur within their jurisdiction. School resource officers typically have additional duties to include mentoring and conducting presentations on youth-related issues. School resource officers play an integral role in the public school system and have had many positive impacts on the students that they are involved with.”
Further explanation is given that the School Resource Officer…
- "’humanizes’ the police; that is, young people can begin to relate to officers as people
- permits students to see officers in a helping role, not just an enforcement role
- opens lines of communication between law enforcement and youth
- opens dialogue between the school, law enforcement and parents to deal with other issues”
What is not explained on the website is how this job is God-ordained. Yes, it is sad that we have come to a point where we feel we must have an armed police office on duty at our elementary schools, of all places. But I can tell you…thirty years ago, there were situations where I would have welcomed this presence! And I can also tell you that Officer Wildman, the policeman on duty at our elementary school, is amazing. The children adore him AND respect his authority. He can respond to an emergency situation in one hour…and crawl into the back of my car to buckle Timothy into his child safety seat in the next! And Timothy and his fellow students have tremendous respect for this man.
What does this have to do with you and me? I have done a lot of reflecting since my teaching “career” ended. Particularly as our little ones entered the school system, I have realized more profoundly just how significant the role of a teacher or other person of authority and influence is for children and young people. These are God-ordained positions. As a 20-something kindergarten teacher, I wish I had been more aware of this “mission” and sought God even more in my daily interactions with my students.
But here’s the thing…since those years, I have become more cognizant of God’s purpose for me in WHATEVER position I find myself. Even on the days when my main objective is to cook, clean and do our laundry…make Play-doh® characters with the kids...or spend an hour visiting with someone who needs a little encouragement or a friendly ear…I have learned to find God’s purpose – and to recognize that HE put me here at this moment!
This is what I want us to think about today. God put each of us here for a reason. Whatever He has called you to do…from spouse/parent/housekeeper/caregiver to police officer/teacher/nurse/physician/public leader – and everything in between – He has ordained you to do your best. If you are a student, God has a plan for your future, as well. God has called on us to trust Him and His plans…and to recognize His presence in them. We must carry out our “mission” to the best of our ability – and respect the “calling” of others.
Whatever you do this day, ask God to fully equip you to give it your best. Live responsibly…not because it keeps you out of trouble – but because it pleases God. And isn’t that the ultimate goal?
©2016 Debbie Robus
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