I want to state that I am unapologetically pro law enforcement. I have close friends in the law enforcement world who are serve at a federal level as well as at the local level. I have multiple family members who have served as military police, and I have a son who plans to enroll into the law enforcement academy. As I previously stated I am unapologetically pro law enforcement. I believe there are wonderful men and woman who serve and protect our communities every day and I am thankful for each and every one of them.
These positions of authority that call upon men and woman of the job to carry a badge, cuffs, and a gun are not without limits. They cannot operate with impunity. Those who serve well understand this. They know that they possess power. In fact, all who are leaders and have authority live in the dichotomy of a power imbalance. Power imbalances in and of themselves are not wrong. Teacher and students are another example of a power imbalance. A principal and a teacher is another. They exist. It isn’t wrong that they do. However, power imbalance without limit is tyranny. We know this and we believe this. We have seen it in nearly every segment of society. Clergy who abuses his flock in any manner is guilty of this.
My credentials as a clergy do not give me permission to abuse those in my care. A teacher’s credentials do not give them permission to abuse those in their care. The same is true of law enforcement. More power means there must be more self-control. More power means there must be more self-awareness. More power means there must be more accountability. It does not matter what you are armed with is you live in a power imbalance: words, grade books, or guns, you have a higher standard to follow. The professions that I listed, clergy, teachers, law enforcement, all must adhere to a higher standard. For these jobs are more than jobs. They are callings of service, entrusted by communities to those who possess the power for the betterment of the community. These jobs are not for those who fill the positions but rather for those that are served. They are high callings.
James 3.1 says, “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgement.” It is my belief that the author of this epistle is specifically speaking to those who would teach in the church. These teachers could do great good but also have opportunity to do great harm. Those who inflict harm will answer for it. If you are granted a position of authority, you better make sure you get it right. I believe we can apply this truth to all who live in the power imbalance.
In the Spiderman movie there is a scene where Uncle Ben is dropping off Peter (Spiderman) after giving him a ride. In short conversation with Peter Uncle Ben drops the following truths that are still true of all of us.
“These are the years a man changes into the man he is going to become for the rest of his life. Just be careful who you change into.”
We do not get to hand out injustices and blame anyone but ourselves. Proper training and sometimes proper therapy are a must. I have a number of men in my life that I know I can call when I feel the heat on me. I even have a therapist for when times get really hard. If I mess up, lots of people get hurt. I must pursue health. I possess influence and therefore I also possess responsibility to change properly. There is no one to blame but me when my actions and words harm those entrusted to my care.
“Just because can beat him up doesn’t give you the right to.”
Many times, as a parent my wife and I have said to our kids, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” I don’t remember getting this from Ben Parker, but it is a truth that we live by in our home. These words also echo of the truths found in the sermon on the mount where Jesus said, “You have heard it said…but I say…” He was saying that the way of the Christ follower is not the same way as cultural norms. Cultural norms serve as protectors and permission givers but often protect those who would protect wrongdoing and give permission to awful things. The Jim Crow laws were legal but hardly were they right. Redlining was policy but it was hardly just. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
“Remember, with great power comes great responsibility.
The beauty of living in a power imbalance is that you are given an opportunity to bless people. You get to add value to their lives. You get to offer security and safety. You get to provide for needs that would have gone unmet. You get to restore dignity. Sadly, not all choose to do this. And they will incur a stricter judgement.
Compassionate Engagement 