THIS WEEK'S PROBLEM

Ben's a Police Officer - he joined the force about a year ago. But he's not entirely enjoying it. His supervisor isn't the most pleasant person and as a result there are times he dreads going in to work.
 
As a Christian, the thing Ben is most worried about, is the way the police force is affecting his character. Law enforcement's no easy task, and he's been noticing the work is causing him to be more angry person, and quite pessimistic. While Ben feel's he's been standing his ground as a Christian in most areas, he's still worried about becoming someone he doesn't want to be. There are some front-line roles (eg riot squad /dog squad) that he'd like to move into, but he feels some people in these roles are quite arrogant. He doesn't want to take on the same attitude.

Basically, for all these reasons Ben's not sure if he should stay in the Police Force. He's wondering if moving into an emergency service like the fire brigade might be better suited to his personality. It may put him in a better position to grow more as a Christian and maybe get more involved in his church as well. 

Should he stick it out as a Police officer, and continue to make the most of the opportunity he's been given? Or should he find something new that he feels might suit him better? Let's give Ben some second opinions.

DISCUSSION POINTS

• It's great that Ben's so self-aware, and is being honest about his areas of weakness. The question is, what's the best way to deal with these issues?
 
• Perhaps Ben is being timid about his faith? Does he need to dig deeper and seek God for more courage to face the challenges his workplace brings?

• Is there any advice you could give him to stand stronger and not allow his character to be undermined by the culture and characters around him?

• On the other hand, maybe it's wise that he's considering making a change - particularly for issues of character, not just for financial reasons for example.

• Have you had an experience like Ben where you re-evaluated your career for reasons of character? What conclusion did you come to?

• Did you stay? What did you do to cope better with the demands of your work?

• Or did you move on?  If so, did you have any regrets about making the change, or was it a positive decision that helped you to be who you were meant to be?

• Perhaps God has placed him in the Police force - I'm sure the more Christians there the better. But if he moved to the fire brigade or some other area, I'm sure he would be able to be a force for good in that workplace as well...

• Help Ben with your thoughts.

THIS WEEK'S RESPONSES:

Our callers and our 'expert', Pastor Barry Chant, all had great thoughts for Ben this week.

These included:

* Don't leave quickly without thinking it through. Take time out first to explore whether you are right for the job. Ask God if he has indeed put you there.

* If you feel you are meant to stay, find ways to encourage and strengthen your faith.

* Read your Bible and pray before you head to work each day, pray for God's strength to be his light in the darkness.

* Be aware it is a battle and be careful not to let the environment you are in drag you down, you need to take care to stay strong in your faith and put your walk with God first.

* Find other Christians who are in the police force so you can encourage each other.

* Find a mentor or a pastor with whom you can de-brief and strengthen your faith.

* If, after thinking it through, you still feel you need to leave and find a job you're better suited to, there is no shame in that and nothing to say you can't be a great influence in some other field.