He reached a new city at midnight. The railway station was almost still. Many people were sleeping on the floor of the platforms and benches. Exhausted by travel and not feeling safe, his hope kindled as he saw police personnel sitting in a kiosk, and a space nearby was empty where he could comfortably sit. Reaching that spot, he cleaned the place and sat down. The police shouted at him to go away. When he asked why, the police rudely said: “Here, anything could happen to strangers like you. If something happens to you, it should not be before my eyes, for I will be held responsible. Go far away from my sight.” The terrified man was chased away, and he spent the whole night in fear, though nothing happened to him.
Slackness: The man who was deployed to protect the innocent victims did not do what he was supposed to do. It is dangerous to be slack. Prophet Jeremiah warns that those who are slack in the work of the Lord will be cursed. (Jeremiah 48:10) Accepting roles and not fulfilling the responsibility is dangerous in ministry.
Sense of duty: The police official did not have a sense of duty. When a person is given a role, along with responsibility, he must fulfill it. Many like the privileges of the role, enjoy it, and neglect the duty.
Samaritan model: The Good and Great Samaritan saw a dying man on the road and rushed to help him. He valued human life, though the victims were anonymous, probably from different cultures, languages, and religious groups. (Luke 10:25-37) This value for human life was lacking in the police officials. While the Samaritan gave life to the dying man by active intervention, the police left the man to die, who was seeking his protection.
Stewardship: Apostle James warns that someone who knows to do good and has the resources and authority to do the same, fails, he sins against God. (James 4:17) He betrayed the government that appointed the police for duty and the public.
Am I diligent in all I do?