Vocation in the Media: Southland Edition

God's Work. That was the title of last Thursday's episode of Southland, a fast-paced police drama on TNT. You may object to the language. You may not like the cinematography (it's a bit shaky; a realism style of film). You may not even like the show at all. And that's fine. Personally, I love it. It's gritty. It's not contrived. The character are well-casted and well-played. I've been hooked since the pilot episode on NBC.

At any rate, I would venture an educated Christian guess that you (as every Christian should) probably don't object to the work these brave - yes, brave - men and women do on a daily, nightly, round the clock, sleepless night and in-harm's-way basis. Just what are they doing that is so worthy of bravery? No doubt to them, it all seems rather ordinary. Ask any cop and they'll tell you they've seen it all - and the ones I know are thankful just to come home at night (or the morning), hug their wife and kids, rest and go back to work again the next shift. Repeat. Just another day at the office, behind the badge, tucked in the four walls of their Crown Vic cubicle. They strap on their bullet proof vest, load their side-arm, pack their shotgun and hit the beat - because good and evil are all to real, despite what we may have been taught by our philosophy professors may hat that fancy pants secular schools. Police officers stare the reality (and consequences) of evil, sin and death in the face every day.

Sure, that's their daily routine. Routine is part of life, no matter what your vocation. And that's the whole point. The ordinary. The everyday. The so-called "mundane". Honestly, I don't think I would want the vocation of a police officer, let alone in Los Angeles. I couldn't hack it.  But I am sure glad there are those who do and can and will. Thank God for the cops. For they have a sacred vocation that has been instituted by God. They are part of the "governing authorities" of Romans 13. (And in my book you can't pay teachers, law enforcement or our armed service members enough for the work they do). For cops are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad - to the perp and the would-be-law-breaker. That's their God-given, left-hand realm work, the long arm of the law. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword (or in this case, the Smith and Wesson) in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Thank God for these divine curbs. Serve and Protect. That's what the side of the LAPD cop cars read. And that is why they are truly doing God's Work. And for that, I thank you.