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Paul's Perspective - What Are We Afraid Of?

Jun 05, 2017

Recently, I attended the funeral of a retired friend I had the pleasure of working with while on the PD.

I had not seen him since he retired. I guess he was like a lot of retired cops, really; disengaging from being a cop and enjoying the rest of his life not hanging on to that cop identity. We had all been lost rowdy cops at one time and I was concerned how the funeral would go. I was overjoyed to learn that my friend had dedicated his remaining life to Jesus Christ and was a well loved and respected member of his church.


That did lead me to ponder why? Why do so many cops turn their backs on Jesus while on the job only to find him after retirement? We need Him on the job the most! Plus, most cops who do find Christ after retirement never go back to the ones still on the job to let them know there is a better way. What are we afraid of?


Our Law Enforcement Profession brings us into a closeness, a bond, a love, a brother & sisterhood that we even have a hard time explaining. If one of us is in trouble, the rest charge in, throwing caution to the wind to protect our LEO family member, even if we are injured or killed. We do it without thinking. As a Christian LEO we believe in eternal life for everyone and that life will be lived out in either heaven or hell. With the type of love and bond we claim for our LEO family, why can’t we talk to them about Christ? What are we afraid of?

Penn Jillette, of Penn & Teller, professes to be an atheist. Penn makes this statement on YouTube, “How much do you have to hate someone to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?” This statement hurts me because I must confess I have been afraid before and kept my mouth shut. I am afraid if some of my lost friends could send me a letter from the grave, it would read like the one below. How about you?


A Letter from an Unsaved Friend



My friend,

I stand in judgment now
and feel that you’re to blame somehow.
On earth I walked with you by day
and never did you show the way.
You knew the Savior in truth and glory
but never did you tell His story.
My knowledge then was very dim;
you could have led me safe to Him.
Though we lived together here on earth,
you never told me of the second birth.
And now I stand before eternal hell,
because of heaven's glory you did not tell. 


On second thought, I can no longer call you my friend.


I ache for our lost LEO brothers and sisters around the country. I ache even more for our LEO Christian brothers and sisters who go to work every day afraid to allow their faith to show or to talk about spiritual things. I know that fear comes in many forms and uses many reasons but you do not have to be afraid. The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers-USA (FCPO) provides training in evangelism through RightNow Media. If you are a member of FCPO, you have received an invitation to RightNow Media. Simply search “evangelism” and pick a study. You can do this individually or with a group. You have access to this training on all of your electronic devices. All Law Enforcement Officers must train regularly. Your Christian walk is no different; we must train. Being a Christian is a lifestyle change 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including on the job. Let FCPO help you in your Christian walk. If you are not a FCPO member, let me encourage you to join us on the Mission Field of Law Enforcement. You can do this by clicking here. If you have questions, need encouragement, or have any comments you can contact me at [email protected].


May God continue to bless each of you.

Paul Lee, Executive Director (Retired Captain, Chattanooga P.D.)

Paul Lee retired from the Chattanooga Police Department with 29 years of service. He has been an FCPO member since 1995, is a former Chapter Chairman and has served in various capacities on the National Board.

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