READ: EXODUS 14: 10-29 AND EXODUS 16:1-12
The Lord himself will fight for you. You won’t have to lift a finger in your defense. (14:14)
The promotion to Deputy Chief of Police marked the pinnacle of my law enforcement career. I was now the person responsible for the day-to-day operations of a large county-wide police agency. During my conversations with the Chief, I realized that one of the problems requiring my attention was low morale. The reasons for this state of affairs seemed to revolve around insufficient staffing; too much political interference and favoritism; the need for a new radio system; and constant friction with the police union. Yes, there were reasons to be dissatisfied but nothing seemed beyond correction and improvement. However, in spite of solid efforts to bring about change, the undercurrent of grumbling continued, and the perception of low morale remained.
It was one of those days when nothing seemed to go right when an officer, with whom I had the privilege of serving, stuck his head in the door to my office. I was telling him of my concerns with respect to morale when he looked at me and laughed stating, “morale is always low.” Then it dawned on me that I would grumble and find fault when things did not go as I thought they should right up to the present time. I quickly realized how much the negative side of life had dominated my entire career. My job began when people chose to violate society’s laws and treat people in a violent and inhumane fashion. I saw first-hand the repercussions of social and racial animosity and watched as solid cases met unfavorable endings within the criminal justice system. I endured the constant spotlight of media attention and endured many rounds of “Monday-Morning Quarterbacking.” Yes, morale could be an issue, but maybe the solution began with my view of life. Perhaps I needed to be more thankful that the Lord had given me the opportunity to serve my fellow officers and community.
Moses constantly faced low morale and grumbling as he led the people from captivity toward the Promised Land. He had to constantly intercede between God and the Israelities lest God run out of patience and terminate their entire existence. Being grateful and trusting in the Lord brough the Israelities many blessings where grumbling and complaining brought misery and hardship. Perhaps there is a lesson for all of us when morale is low!
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
What contributes to your low morale?
Dear God, forgive me for grumbling and complaining. Thank you for all of the many blessings you have bestowed upon my life.