Nope, this post is not about
singing. “Choir practice” in this context is a term in the police culture
describing a gathering of cops blowing off steam after a day at work. Joseph
Wambaugh fictionalized these “parties” in his book Choirboys in 1975. When I
started as a police officer in 1988, choir practices were
becoming less frequent. There was a good reason to; cops were getting into trouble
for behaving badly at parties. That reality became painfully clear when a
group of officers I worked with got together late one night after a shift to
drink beers and carry on. The end result was one officer lost his job and plead guilty
to a felony charge of sexual assault. He received a suspended, four year prison
sentence. Other officers served suspensions and faced demotions. Everyone at
the “choir practice” received some level of discipline. I was on my day off.
Fast forward to 2012 and a very
public, choir practice just happened in a foreign country involving members of the
Secret Service and the military. People are losing their jobs; careers are
ruined. When stuff like this happens, I wonder why people don’t learn from the
past? Politicians, doctors, firefighters, pastors; you name the job and I can
name the scandal. The sad reality is that cops fail when they lose their moral
compass. This is not unique to the secular world.
Scripture tells story after story
about people losing their faith compass and the consequences that followed. King David committed adultery and
murder after giving himself over to coveting another man’s wife. The cost of
his sin was never to see peace in the Kingdom of Israel. (2 Samuel 12) King Solomon, the wisest, most
successful leader of Israel, turned from his faith to follow foreign gods. (1 Kings 11) The result, the nation of Israel was torn in two; never
again to experience the splendor and influence they once enjoyed. Samson
led Israel as a Judge for 20 years. (Judges 15) He would give himself over to
pride, shared the secret of his strength and was betrayed by his wife. He would
be taken captive; his eyes plucked out and he was put on display for people to
mock.
In the
New Testament, Ananias and Sapphira made a commitment to sell a piece of land
and give the proceeds to the church. (Acts 5) They conspired to keep some of
the money for themselves and dropped dead on the spot when they showed up at church and
lied about it!
How do we protect ourselves from
taking one step at a time down a path that leads to ruin? We do it by equipping
ourselves with the truth of scripture and rest on our faith in Jesus Christ.
Practically, we can put on the full armor of God detailed in Ephesians 6. Here
is a list of the armor:
The Helmet of Salvation: It is by
faith we are saved through grace. It is not from works so that no man can
boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
The Breastplate of Righteousness:
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD
Most High. (Psalm 7:17)
The Belt of Truth: If you hold to
the teachings of Christ, you know the truth and the truth shall set you free.
(John 8:32)
The Quickness of the Gospel on
our feet: Submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil and he will flee from you.
(James 4:7)
The Shield of Faith: For the LORD God
is a sun
and shield:
the LORD will give
grace
and glory:
no good
thing will he withhold
from them that walk
uprightly.
(Psalm 84:11)
The Sword of the Spirit: All
Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)
Cops put on a Kevlar vest, an equipment
belt, a uniform and a badge. We also have partners. People we can call for back
up. As Christians, God gives us the
armor and equipment to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. He also
gives up the fellowship of believers to stand firm in our faith. If you find
yourself tempted at work, at home or in the world remember that God is with
you. Rest on your faith, rely on your training and surround yourself with
companions of faith to be your back up when the notes of the choir go flat.
