Exploited by the Fuzz

It’s not every day that a police officer walks into our office and starts asking questions.  On the scale of everyday occurrence to abnormally out of place, this event would land squarely in the realm of possibility but would be forecasted with a strong system of “highly unlikely” sweeping through the region.

Fortunately my office sits in a very worthwhile position, one which allows me be aware of what is happening at most moments but also provides substantial coverage to avoid any truly awkward situations.  So when the very unlikely but totally possible event of a state police officer asking questions materialized in our office, I can ensure you I didn’t miss the opportunity to insert myself into the investigation.

As I entered into the interrogation without an invitation my heart rate started to soar.  I wanted desperately to know what had happened and how we could be essential in nabbing the local villain.  You could read the headlines now – “Student Pastor Key factor in Apprehending Mobster”.  I was ready to give back and be of service.  I glanced over to the officer’s computer screen.  On it he had images taken from what appeared to be a store surveillance video.

Now we were getting somewhere – if only I could identify these criminals.  As I glanced at the screen, my heart dropped.  It was hard to make out – it was black and white – it was a little grainy – but when I saw the images what I saw were some close friends of mine at the church.  The officer asked me, “Do you know these people?  Do they go to church here?”

My heart sank again.  It looked like my friends – and it was the police.  I didn’t want to lie but I also couldn’t believe it was them.  I answered his question … “It could be them … (using their names).”  “Could you provide me with an address?” the officer asked.  Something about it didn’t seem right.  I felt like I was turning my friend in, a friend I was sure had done nothing wrong.  I ignored his question.  I said, “I have his number, you could call him.”   The officer wrote down the names and the number and then left.

As the officer left I was pretty worked up.  My blood had really been pumping by then.  I knew he was just doing his job but I felt like he was pumping us for information about someone I cared about.  I felt like he came and took information that I didn’t want to give and left us there trying to figure out what had happened.  I felt exploited … by the Fuzz.

It turns out everything was fine – there was an investigation and the police looked into my friends but it was just a case of mistaken identity.  As things developed it was clear it wasn’t them, the culprits just happened to look like them.  But as I looked back and reflected on the event I had to ask myself why I got so worked up about the officer just doing his job.  Why did I feel this deep need to protect something important to me and why was I tempted to keep that information away from him?

I started to think about my own spiritual life and how sometimes I react the same way to God as I did to that officer.  God comes into the office of my life and starts poking around a little bit.  He asks me some questions.   He is looking for the answers – just the truth - nothing more nothing less.   He wants me to be honest to help Him to His work.  He can do it without me, but if I cooperate it makes His job so much easier.  He’s on the case and He wants to make everything right and restore what has been broken or taken.  His motives are pure.

My motives however can be called into question on a regular basis.  Instead of letting my guard down and letting God get to the heart of the matter, I act like I have been pulled over for a traffic stop.  As he approaches the window, I tell him I know my rights and He’s going to need a warrant if He wants to search me or my vehicle.    He has to have just cause; He can’t just expect me to lay down my rights.

When in reality that’s exactly what he expects me to do.

Matthew 16:24 – “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.”

Jesus tells us that we must lay down our rights SO we can pick up our cross AND dying to ourselves is the only way that we will truly follow Him.

Jesus is not some Cosmic Police Officer trying to trip you up.  He’s not the Fuzz trying to work you for information.

He is a good and loving God – who has done and will continue to do anything and everything to solve the case – and make things right in your life once again.

Confident Parenting

When my wife, Leah, and I found out we were going to be parents, we were both so excited.  My first reaction was one of confidence.  I felt like God had given me the gifts to be a great dad – so I would be a great dad.  So naturally I thought we would be great parents.  Leah on the other hand expressed a number of concerns about becoming new parents, and wanted to be sure that we were as prepared as possible.  At the time I thought she was over reacting – and in my famous phrase – “everything would be fine.”

 

I felt a ton of confidence about becoming new parents – I thought, how hard can it be? As I sit here almost 2 years later – boy was I wrong. Talk about receiving an education!

 

I don’t know nearly as much as I thought I did – and I am in no way an expert on raising kids.  Fortunately, God is gracious and merciful to parents and children alike.  I try to remind the Students in our Ministry of this truth – that their Parents are not experts.  They are just doing their best to be good Parents.

 

Recently I read some material from Jim Burns about becoming a more confident parent.  I wanted to share with you a few things Jim encourages parents to do to boost their confidence.

 

Bless Your Children

Kids love praise from their parents and I’m convinced that they crave it. For children,there is no substitute for receiving a blessing from Mom and Dad. It will propel them to new heights spiritually, emotionally and relationally as you build their self-image.

 

Overcome Negative Family Patterns

This can be tough if you grew up in a dysfunctional family. Still, you can be part of the “transitional generation” who stops blaming bad behavior from the past as an excuse for bad parenting today. Get help to heal the hurts of your childhood and start setting healthy examples for your own kids.

 

Create a Grace-Filled Home

If the atmosphere of your home is negative or threatening, your kids will find somewhere to hang out where they feel welcome. Creating a welcoming atmosphere at home means increasing the flow of acceptance and grace.

 

Communicate with A.W.E.

A healthy dose of A.W.E. (Affection, Warmth and Encouragement) works wonders with kids. You don’t have to be a pushover parent; in fact, leniency does not equal love. But when you are fair, firm and consistent with A.W.E.-filled discipline in your home, you’ll build a stronger bond with your kids.

 

Raise Kids Who Love God and Themselves

The key is respect. When kids are taught the value of obeying their parents, honoring and respecting God is easy. Obedience makes it easier to establish a loving relationship with Him. Give your kids the gift of learning self-respect as well, which is one of the best gifts an adolescent will ever receive!

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These five things are something that we are working on in our home.  We hope that it will help you and your family as you continue to do the best you can.  Remember you are not in this alone.  You have a great number of people who are going through the same things you are.  Trust that God has put the right people in your life and that He will always be right be your side – as you continue to try and raise your children to follow Him.