“The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him.” - Psalm 28:7
Whether it is a circle, a shield, or a star; whether it embossed 14-gauge solid nickel and brass pinned to your chest, hanging around your neck, clipped to your belt, secured in a wallet, or embroidered on your uniform, your badge is more than a symbol of authority of the government agency you represent, the federal and state laws, as well as local ordinances. It also represents the responsibility to Protect and Serve the community.
The value of the badge you received is expressed in the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics the concluding words of this pledge:
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held only so long as I am true to the ethics of the police service. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before all I hold sacred, to my chosen profession: law enforcement.
Wearing the badge, you are endowed with the public’s trust, and frankly, there are times the public expects more from you than they do from themselves.
ORIGIN OF THE BADGE
As the most recognizable icon of law enforcement, the badge originates from the shield once welded by the Knights serving kings, the Vikings, the Romans, the Greeks, and the ancient cultures of the Middle East. The shield was used as a defense against striking blows in hand-to-hand combat and arrows of archers.
In the Scriptures, the Shield is given particular emphasis and referenced 60 times in 57 verses, both literally and figuratively. As Israel engaged with surrounding enemies it was imperative, they develop defensive armament enabling their military to effectively defend themselves.
The value of the shield is emphasized in Scriptures by introducing armies with massive number of shields at the combatant’s defenses, and they became treasured symbols serving as ornaments.
Figuratively, the shield became an emblem of God’s protection whether as Israel’s protector, but especially individual protection. God as our shield is a popular illustration found in the Psalms and frequently, we read passages describing God as “a shield about me,” “our help and our shield,” etc.
Wielding the shield became an emblem of faith and trust in God. In fact, when describing our spiritual armor provided by God, the Apostle Paul describes the shield as “the shield of faith.”
THE POSITION OF THE BADGE
When adorned on the uniform, the Badge is placed on the left side. In some cases, the left breast pocket is reinforced to displaying the badge but to bear the badge’s weight. The simplest explanation for its placement is it is opposite the identification plate placed on the right, and, at least for right handers it is easier to place and secure.
For the Christian Law Enforcement Officer, it can, and should symbolize something much more important. Its placement on the left breast is over the heart, but not simply as a reminder of the pledge to protect and serve, nor even a reminder of the oath taken and the sworn ethical code committed to, but a reminder that God is “a shield to those who walk in integrity” (Proverbs 2:7), a shield “to all who take refuge in Him” (Psalm 18:30).
Bearing the Shield should also remind you that your role in Law Enforcement is ordained by God. Psalms 47:9 declares, "For the shields of the earth belong to God," and His ownership is personalized when we agree with Psalm 89:18, "For our shield belongs to the Lord...", a reminder that as the Apostle Paul declares, the Officer's authority is granted by God for the good and protection of the community from lawlessness and oppression (Romans 13:1-5).
OPPORTUNITY FOR THANKSGIVING
With the uncertainty each shift brings, what you may face with each call, and remembering there are no such thing as a routine stop, knowing God is your shield, that you have placed your trust in Him provides you an opportunity to give Him praise and thanks when you pin it to your shirt at the beginning of each shift and take it off at the end of duty.
Prayer:
Holy Father, I give You praise and offer thanksgiving for the opportunity to serve You as I serve my community. I place my trust in You and am thankful that You are my shield. You are my strength, my refuge and my Defender from all who assail me publicly and spiritually.
Protect my heart and help me to preserve my integrity when I am tempted to reduce my thoughts and actions those who attempt to provoke and seduce me to stoop beneath the morals and ethics that You expect from me and the oath I took when I accepted the position as an officer of the law.
Grant me strength in the trials I face in the performance of my duties. Help me maintain my witness as Your servant first, and my witness to the community.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen!