I Timothy 2:1-2 “ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

Every job has its stressors and pressures.  However, in corrections they are magnified and increased by those we are keeping in custody. Inmates add an element of inexpressible strain.

As we are responsible for maintaining safety and security while managing populations of convicted felons, we experience demands on a different level than someone working in a factory or at McDonald’s.  Let’s face it, hamburgers don’t OD, hang themselves, throw bodily fluids, or escape off the grill.

The verse references being able to lead a “quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”  How does one live that while working in corrections? Can this even be possible with deaths in custody, overdoses, the mentally ill, escapes, forced overtime, low wages, staffing issues,  and staff assaults? 

Our grasp and subsequent hold of an individual often proves to be crucial as we fulfill our duties in corrections.  Likewise, there are benefits for us to have a mental grasp and cling to an understanding of the importance of our job and the authority God has given us.  Our main duty is to keep those in our charge inside the walls.  This firm grip coupled with an unwavering personal relationship with Jesus Christ, establishes us in a better position to deal with PTSD and other complications threatening a quiet and peaceable life, that characteristically arise from such an unnatural work environment.