A flashlight is an incredibly valuable tool for a peace officer. I carried one with me constantly, regardless of the time of day or my specific assignment. While on patrol, and before flashlights were miniaturized, my Streamlight always rested between my legs on the drivers seat. This ensured it was never left behind when exiting the patrol unit.
Then Surefire miniaturized flashlights with the same candela produced by the larger lights, it was always on my duty belt.
A cop needs to have light available since it is not unusual to find yourself in dark places: a building search, homes with blacked out windows, darkened tunnels, etc.
Light is important because it defeats darkness every time. While light and dark are a reality in the physical sense, they are also present spiritually.
A group of self-righteous men brought a woman caught in the darkness of adultery before Jesus. They reminded Him the Law of Moses commanded stoning. Jesus spoke to them saying, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
Our eyes will adjust to darkness to allow better sight, but it’s still dark. In a spiritual sense, some people constantly reside in dark places, so they do not see or appreciate the light.
The apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4, … the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Jesus further instructed his followers to walk in the light so the darkness would not overcome them. While physical light defeats darkness, spiritual illumination will overcome shadows cast by sin.
If you have friends in dark places, be the light they need to see.
(Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of morguefile and cohdra.)
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Jim McNeff is the author of The Spirit behind Badge 145. He worked in military and civilian law enforcement for thirty-one years. While in the USAF, he flew as a crewmember aboard the National Emergency Airborne Command Post—a presidential support detail. Following his military service, he served for twenty-seven years with the Fountain Valley Police Department in Orange County, California, where he retired as a lieutenant. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Southwest University and graduated from the prestigious Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute as well as the IACP course, Leadership in Police Organizations. Jim is married and has three adult children and three grandchildren. You can contact him at jrmcneff@gmail.com or view his website www.badge145.com which is geared toward encouraging the law enforcement family.