Over the last several years, many of us in uniform have felt the ground shift beneath our feet. Incidents involving officers – sometimes criminal, sometimes confused, sometimes mischaracterized – have been broadcast around the world. The result has been a surge of skepticism and cynicism toward law enforcement, often painting every cop with the worst possible brush.
You know the cost.
Recruiting gets harder. Retention plummets. Backups take longer because there are fewer units on the street. Proactive policing declines as officers hesitate, not because we don’t know what to do, but because we aren’t sure how a split‑second decision will be framed, clipped, and shared by those who weren’t there to experience it for themselves. Morale takes a hit not only from danger, but from distrust.
From a Christian perspective, this season of suspicion should not be surprising. We expect a fallen world to struggle with authority. Yet Scripture is clear: authority is not an unfortunate necessity. Instead, it’s a gift. Can it be corrupted? Of course. But it’s essential when rightly exercised. That’s why when officers are viewed as oppressors rather than protectors, the structure God uses to restrain evil and maintain peace is destabilized.
For us as officers, that cultural shift can feel like a personal assault. Many of us got into this line of work precisely because we wanted to help people. We’ve missed holidays, lost sleep, and seen things we cannot unsee, all for the sake of strangers. To pour out that kind of sacrifice and then be told that our very presence is the problem is deeply disturbing.
How can a Christian officer endure that?
First, we must locate our identity in Christ rather than in public approval. I talk about this all the time with officers who are struggling with what they’ve seen and what they’ve had to do. Scripture teaches that believers serve “as unto the Lord and not to men.” When we put on the badge as followers of Jesus, our first audience is not the crowd with a camera; it is the God who sees what is done in secret, who knows the context, intentions, and weight of every decision we make. Your value as an officer is not defined by the loudest critic, the latest viral clip, or the harshest comment on social media. Share on X
Second, we must remember that skepticism does not erase need. Even in the loudest seasons of anti‑police rhetoric, calls for service do not diminish. Victims still dial 911. Parents still look for their missing children. Business owners still need someone to show up when the alarm goes off. The same communities that criticize us with one breath will cry out for our help with the next. That contradiction may be frustrating, but it is also revealing: deep down, people know they need us.
Third, we must embrace (rather than resist or resent) righteous accountability. As Christians, we can’t give a free pass to the abuse of power. Instead, we must submit to the fact that those who wield authority will be judged more strictly. Good officers should welcome systems that expose corruption and incompetence, even while resisting unfair caricatures. We can support justice for bad policing while still recognizing and honoring good policing.
Finally, we must strengthen our soul for the long haul. Many officers carry trauma home, which can strain marriages and families. Christian resources – including pastoral care, counseling, and specialized retreats for law enforcement officers (like the one offered by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association) are tools of grace and opportunities for healing. Take advantage of them. God cares not only about the citizens we protect, but also about us, our spouses, and our children.
If you are demoralized, hear this: your value as an officer is not defined by the loudest critic, the latest viral clip, or the harshest comment on social media. It is defined by the God who calls you to be a minister of justice, who sees every unseen act of courage and compassion, and who will one day set every record straight. Serving under suspicion is hard, but you are not serving alone.
To dive deeper, here is my interview with Frank Turek about the importance of Law Enforcement:
Also, if you’re a police officer and you haven’t yet trusted the Savior who is the “Caller” behind your “calling,” there is no better time than now. The guidance and protection of God is available for anyone who seeks Him.
