I come to briefing each week to say “Thank you. I appreciate what you do” for two reasons. First of all, because I do appreciate and am thankful for what you do. Secondly, looking at your job and hearing the sorts of things that are said about officers, I assume there are times you must ask yourself, “Why do I do this for people who don’t appreciate it or even hate me for what I do?” Over the next few weeks, I also want to share some thoughts that I hope can help you answer that, “Why do I do this?” question  in a way that encourages you to keep going.
   
Why make the sacrifices you make and put your life on the line for people who do not appreciate it? CALLING

The book of Acts in the Bible is a history of the founding of the early Christian church. The main character in the second half of the book is the Apostle Paul whom I have quoted from occasionally. What is interesting about Paul is he started out as a hater of Christians.  He was sanctioned to and enjoyed chasing, capturing and killing Christians as apostates to the Jewish faith. It is recorded one day Paul was on his way to a certain city to continue his work persecuting the Christian church when he encountered a LOUD voice & blinding light that knocked him off his horse. Basically God “called” Paul that day telling him not only would he travel and tell the world about the Savior of the Christian faith he was persecuting, but he was also told how much he himself would be persecuted for his new found faith. That encounter shook Paul to his core and changed his life forever.
   
While Paul’s “calling” to become a missionary may seem sudden or random, if you read Paul’s life story both before and after his conversion, you will see he did not change...he was simply re-directed. God’s calling was not just that one incident, but it was ALL Paul was...his personality, character, drive, talents and temperament. 
   
Why did you decide to become an officer? When I ask officers that question, I often hear a derivative of, “I always wanted to be a cop”  or some other way of saying, “It just felt right”. I believe that is a calling...God putting you together in a certain way that made it natural for you to serve as you do.  It’s why you are good at what you do. It’s why, despite the times you question, “Why do I do this?” you can’t picture yourself doing anything else.
   
When you are discouraged, remember your calling. You are doing what you were created to do….and you are GOOD at it!  
   
Your service is appreciated,
Pastor Rob

Encouragement When You Feel Unappreciated Series
Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4  Part 5