READ: EXODUS 16: 1-12
Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say this to the entire community of Israel: Come into the Lord’s presence and hear his reply to your complaints.” (V. 9)
The promotion to Deputy Chief of Police marked the pinnacle of my law enforcement career. I was now the person responsible for running the day-to-day operations of a large county-wide police department. I knew one of the problems requiring my immediate attention was low morale. The reasons surrounding this condition revolved around insufficient staffing; the need for a new safe and secure radio network; too much paperwork; constant friction with the police union; and continual political interference with operational decisions. Yes, there were reasons to be unhappy, but nothing appeared to me beyond the scope of repair or improvement. Yet, despite concerted efforts to institute change and address deficits, the undercurrent of daily grumbling persisted.
It was one of those days when nothing was going right when an officer, with whom I had personally served as a patrol officer, stuck his head into my office. I began telling him about my concern with the state of departmental morale and he began to laugh and said, “morale is always low!” Then it dawned on me on how I would grumble and find fault when things did not go as I thought they should during my career, even up to that current day. I realized, and a broad smile came over my face, how much of the negative side of life had dominated my career. My duties constantly exposed me to, and required that, I deal with people who chose to violate the laws of the land while often treating others in a violent and inhumane manner. I saw, firsthand, the repercussions of social and racial animosity; watched good cases meet unfavorable ends within the confines of our criminal justice system; weathered the constant spotlight of critical media attention; and endured many rounds of “Monday Morning Quarterbacking.” Yes, morale was not the best, but maybe the solution began with my view of life. It was time that I was thankful to the Lord for giving me the opportunity to serve my community and my fellow officers. Complaint and grumbling produced problems, but prayer, hard work, patience and determination were the keys to overcoming low morale and it begins with taking a fresh thankful perspective on life.
Moses constantly faced low morale as he led the people of Israel out of Egyptian captivity. He had to constantly intercede between God and his chosen people lest God run out of patience and mercy and terminate their existence. Being faithful, grateful and trusting in the Lord produced an abundance of blessings. Complaining routinely brought a stern response from God resulting in misery and additional hardships. Perhaps there is a biblical lesson for all of us when we let our morale plummet!
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
How would you rate your spiritual and personal morale? Life is too short for a complainer, but always sufficient and joyful for those who realize their blessings.
Dear God, forgive me when I grumble and fail to thank and acknowledge you for all the blessings you have bestowed upon me.