As a police officer and detective, I spent decades wearing a badge of one nature or another. Along the way, I learned these badges were more than just symbols of authority; they were a mantle of identity. But what happens when the badge is set aside, when the uniform is folded away, and the sirens and roll calls fade? Where does our real identity reside? For police officers, the answer ought to be more than simply professional—it ought to be deeply spiritual. Our true identity must be found not in our job, but in Jesus Christ.
Law enforcement is a calling that demands everything. The job is relentless, often thankless, and it shapes who we are. We’re trained to be skeptical, to question motives, to pursue justice at all costs. Over time, it’s easy to let the badge become our entire identity. We start to believe that our worth is tied to our performance, our bravery, or the respect we command within our agency and the community at large.
But here’s the truth: one day, the badge will come off. Careers will end, reputations will fade, and the world will move on. If our identity is rooted solely in our profession, we’ll be left adrift when the job is over. I’ve seen it happen repeatedly to good men and women—retirement or tragedy strips away the uniform, and they’re left asking, “Who am I now?” One day, the badge will come off. Careers will end, reputations will fade, and the world will move on. If our identity is rooted solely in our profession, we'll be left adrift when the job is over. Share on X
During my career, I tried my best to follow the evidence wherever it led. When I applied those same investigative skills to the claims of Christianity, I discovered the bible was reliable and Jesus was who he claimed to be. But I discovered something more: if we want to finds real meaning and purpose in life, our ultimate identity must be found in Christ, not in our occupation.
The Apostle Paul writes:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
This isn’t just a comforting thought—it’s a radical transformation. In Christ, we are not defined by our successes or failures, our rank or reputation. We are defined by our relationship with the One who gave His life for us. This is critically import because when we place our identity in our job, several dangers arise:
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Emotional Instability:
Policing is unpredictable. If our self-worth rises and falls with every commendation or complaint, we’re on a rollercoaster with no end in sight. -
Moral Drift:
The pressures of the job can tempt us to compromise our values. But if our identity is in Christ, we have an unchanging standard to guide us, even when the world around us is shifting. -
Isolation:
Law enforcement can be lonely. But in Christ, we are never alone. We are part of a family, united by faith, not just by profession.
The Bible teaches that when we trust in Jesus, we become part of something much bigger than ourselves. Paul declares:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
This identity is unshakeable. It cannot be taken by a demotion, a scandal, or even the end of a career. As officers, we are called to be protectors of the community. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to be ambassadors of a greater Kingdom. Our actions, our integrity, and our compassion flow not from our badge, but from our Savior.
So, how do we shift our identity from our job to Jesus? Here are a few practical steps:
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Daily Surrender:
Begin each day by reminding yourself that your worth comes from Christ, not your performance. -
Community:
Surround yourself with other believers who understand the unique challenges of law enforcement and can encourage you in your faith. -
Scripture:
Anchor your heart in God’s Word. Let passages like 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Galatians 2:20 remind you of who you truly are. -
Service:
See your role as a police officer as a mission field. Use your position to reflect the love and justice of Christ to those you serve.
Compared to many of the cases I’ve investigated over the years, I do believe the evidence for a life built on Christ is overwhelming. The badge may define your occupation, but it simply cannot determine your destination. Your identity as a cop my suffice for a season, but it cannot compare to your eternal identity in Jesus. When we place our identity in Jesus, we find a purpose and security no career can offer. We become new creations, empowered to serve with courage, compassion, and unwavering integrity.
So, my brothers and sisters in law enforcement, as you strap on your gear and head out into a world desperate for justice and hope, remember: your true identity is not found in the badge you wear, but in the Savior who wore a crown of thorns for you. That’s a case worth building your life on.
Have you investigated the case for Christianity? Have you committed your life to the source of your true identity? Don’t waste another minute; do it today. And to learn much more about the importance of identity and how it contributes to human flourishing and establishes the reliability of the Biblical record, please read The Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life.
Investigator/Pastor/Chaplain M.C. Williams
June 17, 2025 at 3:52 pm
This is outstanding brother. God bless you.