Those In High Places

By Lance Cordle

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (2 Timothy 2:1-2  ESV)
    I recently attended a meeting in which a local law enforcement official was the guest speaker. The few minutes of formal sharing of information, as well as in answering of questions were valuable and seemed to me to be time well-spent. I would like to share some observations gleaned from that time together.
    Most law enforcement officers seem to be sincere and hard-working men and women. They care about our community and want to do all they can to help us. They also care about moral principles and  desire to stick to them in this community. The request for prayer, uttered in our meeting, impressed me and encouraged me to think more and more about the verse printed at the beginning of this article.
    Beverage alcohol is a menace. Though many people were concerned about increase in DUI arrests when our county went “wet,” that particular thing has not increased as much as another problem. Domestic violence incidents and arrests have increased dramatically, according to our local official. Vital relationships are harmed, not enhanced by the presence of alcohol. Are revenues raised through alcohol sales worth the dissolution of relationships and infliction of physical harm? The poignant truth of Proverbs 20:1 still rings in our ears: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
    Law enforcement officers cannot “do it all.” In order for law enforcement to be effective, the vast majority of the citizen ship must be cooperative. Christians should be the best citizens of a county, city, state and country. When we obey the laws and support the punishment of law-breakers, we keep the law of God (Romans 13:1-4).
    In times of chaos throughout our country, the corruption of some law enforcement officers and higher officials, let us praise and support the good ones. Let us pray for all of them. Let us be the best citizens we can be.

- Lance Cordle preaches the Calvert City Church of Christ in Calvert City, KY.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com