Conduct
Becoming a Believer
By Karen D’Amore
“In the same way,
let your light shine before men,
that they may see your good deeds and praise
your Father in Heaven.”
Matthew
5:16 (NIV)
As
a police officer, I was required to memorize the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.
One vow within that code was, “I will keep my private
life unsullied as an example to all.” With the effectiveness of law enforcement being dependent on public
respect and confidence, police officers are held to a higher standard…both on
and off-duty. Continually under the watchful-eye and scrutiny of the public, our
conduct was to align with the integrity and trustworthiness expected by them. Any conduct
(on or off-duty) which could detract from the public’s faith in the criminal
justice system, or discredit the Department and/or other officers, was
considered “conduct unbecoming an officer.”
“Conduct unbecoming” encompassed petty offenses to criminal conduct,
with the penalties ranging from suspension to termination.
I recall an officer being suspended
for displaying a “snarky” attitude with a hairdresser who cut her hair too
short. Needless to say, I spent those twenty-one years perpetually developing
my moral compass…with a hyper-sensitivity to attitudes and conduct which could tarnish
“the badge.”
As Christ-followers, we too are held to a higher standard of
conduct which transcends beyond merely being “law abiding citizens.” Paul
reminds us, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as
children of light” (Ephesians 5:8, NIV). “Be very
careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every
opportunity” (Ephesians 5:15, NIV).
We need to keep our lives “unsullied” before God. We were once in
spiritual darkness until Christ entered our lives and called us to be His light
to the world. As we reflect the light of a Holy God, we are called to “be holy
as He is Holy.” Throughout every aspect of our daily life, we must consider
our attitudes, choices and behavior with a deeper sensitivity to how we’re
representing God.
As believers, we’re far-from-perfect… perpetual works-in-progress! With
the help of the Holy Spirit we can identify those attributes that may be
unbecoming to His name, and avert conduct which could potentially bring Him
shame. As ambassadors for Jesus, living under the watchful eye and scrutiny of
the unsaved world, we represent Him everywhere we go and in everything we do.
This includes our jobs, schools, restaurants, grocery stores, sporting
activities and even…hair salons.
So as not to dim our “lights”…let’s consciously work
towards keeping our lives “unsullied” and our Jesus-badges tarnish-free.
And may we strive to honor our Commander in Chief…with
“Conduct Becoming a Believer!”
GOING DEEPER:
1.
How’s your conduct? Is your light dim or bright?
FURTHER READING:
Married
to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns
Salon and Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She’s on the
Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team.
