Spiritual
Institute
Christians are charged with a mission to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15 NASB) and “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20). While many behavioral science professionals are Christians who integrate faith and science well, it is a common misconception that the two disciplines should be kept separate.
The LION Leadership Institute recognizes that faith and behavioral science can work together toward the greater good. Thoughts, beliefs, and emotions are closely connected. The Scripture commands us to “renew our mind” (Romans 12:2) and “take every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Those steps help to strengthen church leadership to meet the need of the people. This is where LION can step in and provide tools from the natural world to work with religious teachings.
People of faith who are looking for a transformed world are called to claim their spiritual leadership. Similarly, Christ gave His Church a responsibility to carry out. For some, following that guidance can be overwhelming. As seen in our other institutes, LION helps people change how they think and work. Implementing behavioral sciences and pastoral care will prepare church community members with the focus and resilience needed for the tasks in front of them. Such a system will further empower Christians to fulfill their calling.
Question:
“What does the Bible say about Law Enforcement / The Police?
Answer:
It’s fairly well known that God gave a set of laws and guidelines for enforcing them. The Mosaic Law not only defined sin but also specified penalties for those who broke the Law. Any law is essentially meaningless without enforcement. The people in Bible times may not have had a police force as we think of one today, but they had those who promoted justice by enforcing the law. The Bible’s references to watchmen (Ezekiel 33:6), armed guards (Nehemiah 4:13), and judges (Ezekiel 44:24 and the whole book of Judges) could be seen as examples of law enforcement.
God is a God of justice (Deuteronomy 32:4), and He demands justice for His people: “Follow justice and justice alone” (Deuteronomy 16:20). This command implies the necessity of law enforcement. God has always given man the responsibility of enforcing the law (and thereby maintaining justice). “Defend the weak and the fatherless; / uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. / Rescue the weak and the needy; / deliver them from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 82:3–4).
Romans 13 deals with submission to government authorities, and the same passage is instructive on the purpose of law enforcement and police work: “Rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. . . . The one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer” (Romans 13:3–4). Police officers or peace officers represent the “rulers” mentioned in this passage and extend their authority.
Therefore, a Christian involved in law enforcement or police work is doing a good and godly thing. The police officer who enforces the just law of the land should consider himself or herself God’s servant and, toward the lawbreaker, an agent of God’s wrath sent to keep the peace. One of the most important jobs of every police officer is the restraint of evil in society—a dangerous career, a noble calling, and a profession congruent with a biblical desire for justice and righteousness.
