Ever had one of those partners who never gets ruffled or upset no matter what is happening? And even off-duty he somehow doesn’t need to do the things that cops typically do to forget what he went through last week? How do these kinds of guys do it?
To be sure, some of these officers are just good at hiding their true feelings. Many are walking time bombs just waiting to go off. Some of our own partners have been the ones who ate their own gun before we ever realized they were struggling with anything.
In America today, we lose three times as many good cops to suicide as we do line-of-duty deaths. (Click on “The Urgent Need in Law Enforcement”)
But there are others who have found an inner peace that most people just walk away scratching their head in amazement over! Their whole world may be crashing around them, but they still have a sincere smile on their face that is real, and a calmness and assurance that defies explanation. How do they do it?
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
The Bible has the answer. It is found in having a personal relationship of love, trust, and obedience to Jesus Christ. Anything less will be ineffective in the long run.
Conduct Unbecoming an Officer: Why is it that what cops do to relax, escape, and cope so often become the very things which are their undoing? We used to have CUBO rules; a code of conduct that we could be punished for breaking, both on and off-duty. These are the very things that most officers do in their quest for that illusive peace they’re looking for. (See “So Far So Good: A Message for Peace Officers”)
The “world” has many sources of “peace” which are really nothing more than diversions; means of temporary escape. Drugs, sex, booze, gambling, riotous and immoral activities, thrill-seeking risky behavior… You have no doubt tried many of them, as did I at one time. But you know that these things only bring a temporary escape that is short-lived and more often than not returns us back to reality with a painful crash. And most of these types of activities bring on with them some heavy consequences.
How many times have you put on the uniform with a raging hangover that you tried to get rid of by taking “a bit of the hair of the dog that bit you” before hitting the beat? How many times have you committed acts for fun and thrills that you would have arrested someone else for doing? How many times have you thought of your own personal issues and realized there was something there but dismissed it all quickly because you didn’t have the guts to face the truth. That is what pride will do. It will be your downfall.
But Jesus said that He came to give us His peace; not the false peace of the world:
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27
You see, His Peace is not temporary or conditional; it is everlasting and reliable. His Peace isn’t a way of escape; it is a place of everlasting solitute and comfort in your heart! His Peace isn’t a showy fake plastic smile on your face or a professional detatched exterior with inner turmoil and pain; it is through-and-through and can weather any storm. It is The Solid Rock upon which you can stand your ground and stay focused, even after the storm has passed and you are faced with the memories and feelings!
If you long to have this peace, give me a call anytime or click here for more information. I can lead you to the Source, but it will be up to you to drink. -Tim.
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