There is a lot of talk these days about the police and whether they are to be respected, or to be opposed. I saw a post declaring that “cops … have destroyed our trust … [their] respect must be earned.” Now, I have witnessed first hand some arrogance and even rudeness from behind the badge by some random “robocops,” but does that give me a pass on the respect front?
Paul, who was no stranger to being harassed by the authorities wrote this in Romans 13: “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.” (NLT)
Try to remember, they just want to do their job and get home safely to their families. I respect what they do, no earning required.
