Encouragement When You Feel Unappreciated, Part 5 - CONSEQUENCES

Today is the last in a series of one-word-encouragements I’m sharing to encourage you as you remember why you continue in this noble profession despite the daily criticisms, stresses and sacrifices. You don’t do what you do for the approval or recognition of others, but it has to be hard doing the right thing when some of the most vocal people are unreasonably critical.
 
When you feel unappreciated, remember you are GOOD at what you do: because of your calling (it’s how you were created), because of your character (it’s who you are), because of your commitment (it’s what you said you would do), because of your cause (it’s what puts action to your beliefs), and last of all, because of the consequences (it’s what would happen if you didn’t do your job).  As we move into the Christmas season, we hear the story about a Christ-child who left heaven to come to earth as a baby, to live, die and rise again to offer redemption to mankind. The way he was treated shows that we are not “basically good”. We are fallen, in need of redemption.
   
On the job, you see a lot of people in need of redemption, and unfortunately, many seem to have little or no interest in changing their ways.  I can only imagine it must be frustrating at times dealing with the same people repeatedly. Or going back to the same neighborhood time after time. Or to feel like you’ve reduced a particular crime hot spot you’ve been focusing on, only to see it move to a different part of town (or the fact that if it does move to a different location, that is counted as a “win”). 
     
Fighting evil is a never-ending battle, but you fighting one more time makes a difference to that neighbor whose house was NOT broken into because your increased neighborhood presence encouraged the bad guys to move elsewhere. It makes a difference in the life of a single mom who is trying to keep her son away from drugs and gang life when you arrest (one more time) the ones who are trying to influence her son. There are consequences if you give up because if feels like you are not making an impact or because you’ve “done this 100 times”. Every time you arrest a bad guy, it makes a difference in the life of their next would-be victim. 
   
I leave you with a thought from the Apostle Paul. He said this in a different context than yours, but it still seems appropriate: “Do not let yourselves get tired of doing good.” As bad as it gets sometimes or in some areas, thank you for not giving up...the consequences would be too great. 
   
Your service is appreciated,
Pastor Rob

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