As Iron Sharpens Iron,
So One Man Sharpens Another
Proverbs 27:17
Summer 1997
We are all familiar with the seven factors that get cops killed out on the street. Well similar to the seven causal factors that get police officers in trouble, there are also factors which are a danger to the Christian police officer.
At our last Iron Sharpens Iron meeting, June 7th, Torrance Police Sergeant Ed LaLonde began a two part series entitled "Officer Safety and Survival, Seven Causal Factors of an Eroding Christian Life."
Recognition of these dangers can help save us from a lot of aggrivation and ineffectiveness as a Christian.
The first area that Ed covered was Poor Communication. We looked at the negative results or whiplash effect, the deadly results or the hinderances, and the destructive nature of the tongue.
On the positive side, we then looked at the three necessary elements of good communication. This included cultivating a good heart, selecting the proper timing, and choosing our words carefully.
Suggestions for improving our communication included not assuming, providing an open atmosphere, and building good self-esteem.
The second factor considered was the Lack of Prior Planning. Ed had us look at calculating the costs, secondary plans, and the amush and kill zones of the enemy.
The third factor, Partners Splitting Up was the final area we looked at during this meeting. We began to consider the fact that there are strength in numbers and we have a responsibility to watch out for each other and hold ourselves accountable to one another.
Looking at the Officer Safety Causal factors from a Christian perspective was a great comparison and we could all relate to it. It made God's Word come alive as we applied these important principles to our lives as cops.
At our next meeting in Long Beach, on August 16th, Ed will pick up where we left off. You won't want to miss this great study in appying the truth of God's Word to officer survival.
It is said that a "chain is only as strong as it's weakest link." If this is true the Iron Sharpens Iron chain is stronger now than ever before. Each individual link or member has received strength through the encouragement of others during their repeated attendance at each meeting.
During the last meeting in particular several members were encouraged through open and honest small group discussions. Discussing topics such as our weaknesses and emotions is not easy for most of us. Often it is much easier to conceal our shortcomings rather than discuss them for fear of rejection or ridicule.
This type of thinking can only breed weakness and a false sense of strength. Hiding our frailties serves only to destroy our spiritual life from the inside out much like rust that eats away at the metal links of a chain, causing it to become weak. Hidden shortcomings are much like painting over the rust covered links of a chain, the rust is concealed, but continues to damage the chain. Those of us attending the last meeting were truly strengthened, acquiring tools to fight the battles we face each day, whether we want to acknowledge them or not. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 puts it this way: Two are better than one because they have a better return for their labor; for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.
This page was last updated 01 January 2001
A new millennium, yes. A new Jesus, no. For Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.