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, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns
Salon and a Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She also serves on the Oakwood Women’s
Ministry Special Events team.
