For A Reason

“God has me here for a reason,” When I hear someone in custody make that statement, my insides shout, “I know the reason! You broke the law!”

God places importance and honor on our profession in Romans 13:1-4, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” The incarcerated are in God’s custody and we are working for Him as we manage them.

As I reflect on the way God sees our profession, and endeavor to see the good our labor does through His eyes, it brings real peace in my daily routine, on and off duty. I am reminded that God is the basis for the law; “There is one lawgiver” (James 4:12). Whether the offender acknowledges it or not, God’s authority is rebelled against as the offender violates boundaries set by those ordained by Him. The broken law was ordained by Him and there is a penalty. The custody is dual: officers’ and God’s. The person is positioned for true change. It is a privilege to serve Him at our post.

As ministers of God for good, we know that wherever good is put into use or put into action, bad will always oppose it. Bad will always seek to find a crack in the wall, a weak spot in the foundation, an unsecure door, or a distracted eye. The rules of our facilities are also ordained by God and carry consequences for violation as well.

This post was written by
Founder of Heirs of Restraint Ministries & Missouri Correctional Officer

1 Comment on "For A Reason"

  • michaelritch@yahoo.com'
    Michael Ritcj says

    Good word! It’s hard for a lot of Officers to grasp this concept when dealing with some of the individuals we have to deal with on a daily basis. This is a very thankless job and therefore it’s easy to loose sight that even though they are criminals or suspected criminals that are pre-trial, they are still God’s creation and we are a tool put in their path.

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