“Obey the government, for God is the
one who has put it there. There is no
government anywhere that God has
not placed in power. So those who
refuse to obey the laws of the land are
refusing to obey God, and punishment
will follow. For the policeman does not
frighten people who are doing right; but
those doing evil will always fear him. So if
you don’t want to be afraid, keep the
laws and you will get along well. The
policeman is sent by God to help
you. But if you are doing something
wrong, of course you should be afraid,
for he will have you punished. He is
sent by God for that very purpose.
Obey the laws, then, for two reasons:
first, to keep from being punished,
and second, just because you know
you should. Pay your taxes too, for
these same two reasons. For govern-
ment workers need to be paid so that
they can keep on doing God’s work,
serving you. Pay everyone whatever
he ought to have: pay your taxes and
import duties gladly, obey those over
you, and give honor and respect to
all those to whom it is due,” (Romans
13:1-7 TLB).

In North America, Europe and abroad, most local, state, provincial and/or federal governments have a modern political leadership structure which may include varying levels of elected and appointed officials. To support the citizens in their communi- ties, officials may create a variety of services such as street maintenance, building safety, parks and recreation, library, fire protection and law enforce- ment services.

Once those services have been established, jobs will be filled by those in their community of which one of those services will be that of the law enforcement officer.
Just as every Christian should strive to be a peacemaker, we must recognize God established the specific job of the law enforcement officer to protect each respective community. As a matter of fact, the Bible says that, “Blessed are the peace- makers [which includes today’s law enforcement officers], for they shall be called sons of God.” Remember, Paul said: ...the policeman does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he will have you punished. He is sent by God for that very purpose.

The real job description of the law enforcement officer is that of a “protector” who never frightens anyone who is doing right. That’s why when people run from a law enforcement officer, their fear and flight speaks volumes to the cop on the street.