Christian Law Enforcement Fellowship Newsletter

June 2011

“I hate the life of empty vanities; but I trust in the Lord. I will rejoice and be glad in Your lovingkindness, because You have seen my affliction; You have known the troubles of my soul, and You have not given me over into the hand of the enemy; rather You have set my feet in a large place” (Ps.31:6-8).

Today is the 67th anniversary of “D” Day, and with Memorial Day and July 4th, much comes to mind and heart about how rich and fortunate and blessed we are as a nation and people. The heritage we live and profit by, the legacy that inspires and defines us as a people, the freedom and prosperity we thrive under, the health and well-being that gives vitality to our future and hope, the faith of our fore-fathers that built our nation’s character and sustained a sense of trust in American community, didn’t just happen. Hard-working, sacrificial, persevering and spiritually grounded salt-of-the-earth men and women arose from humble means to form a nation and culture unparalleled for its opportunity and strength. Since the Mayflower Compact at the landing of the Pilgrims in 1620, we’ve seen 400 years of growth in liberty and justice for all. Not without its missteps and grievous errors, our faith and freedom nonetheless has enabled us to endure and learn from consequence and build a stronger constitution from the principles used to establish what John Jay, statesman and first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court labeled a “Christian nation.” We experience today the fruits of generational blessings and curses, and yet with the wisdom and discernment that in humility may be ascertained, we stand to become even better. All this is true corporately because of resolve individually to recognize our separate responsibilities for family, faith and freedom. Such freedom and goodness does not grow out of the external control of tyranny or despotism, but from the mutual trust of a disciplined community that generates a culture of truthfulness, that of being faithful in the little things, the basic fundamental truths which translate into being faithful in much.

What has made our brand of democracy so impossible to translate into other cultures is just this aspect of individual responsibility and mutual trust. Cultures at war with themselves for millennia do not change. But something different happened here beginning in 1620 which, built on the Truth of Divine Law morally and spiritually, produced a new kind of government, of, by and for the people. It has withstood legions of test and scourge and stands vigorous to this day, and will continue to do so as long as its truths remain grounded in the regard of our Creator God Who gave us such life, liberty and pursuit of rest. And with that liberty comes the mutual responsibility to attend the matters which keep and grow and preserve our character. What we do personally and privately affects all others, our family, friends, coworkers and community.

This country did not happen by chance. And it has not grown without commitment and resolve to do what is right and be found faithful. We are inspired not by selfishness and egotism, but by sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to consider others as more important than self. This is what generated our identity from the beginning, what has enabled us to survive and persevere and emerge ever stronger and truer. We will continue to grow, but only with the faith, hope and love from our God that governs our pride, passion and prejudice, and which will evermore preserve us as we respect the stewardship of our trust, and reinvest its dividends in the resolve of righteous endeavor. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. The Lord looks from heaven and sees all the sons of men; from His dwelling place He looks on the inhabitants of earth, He Who fashions their hearts, Who understands all their works. A King is not saved by a mighty army; a warrior is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a false hope for victory, nor delivers anyone by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who reverence Him, who hope for His mercy, to deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and shield. Our heart rejoices in Him because we trust in His Holy Name. Let Thy lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, according as we have hoped in You” (Ps.33:12-22).

God bless you dear friends…