The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is testing a new hi-tech innovation. For ninety days, about forty LAPD foot patrol officers are wearing a small video camera on their shirt collar, which apparently they are to turn on when making an arrest or otherwise engaging in, shall we say, official duties with individuals on the street. I understand that these video records will be stored for five years.
Apparently the results are positive thus far. When the people on the street are made aware of the fact that an officer’s every move is being recorded, along with his subject, there seems to be a change—for the better. Complaints against the department have been reduced. According to one news report, officers believe that the presence of these cameras actually serve to diffuse potentially explosive situations (see Kelly Goff’s article in the Los Angeles Daily News).
Why is this important? Police are often put on the defensive, facing accusations of police brutality and misconduct, abusing their power and authority. These accusations do not happen in a vacuum. Many members of inner-city communities distrust and fear the police. While the suburban middle-class family sees a police officer as a friend and helper, an inner-city household will often view a police officer as an enemy and a threat to their bodily safety and personal freedom.
Body-cameras provide that nice ability for instant replay: What really happened, who started it, what was said, who did what, and why. It provides a kind of transparent accountability safety-check for both the police officer and the subject of arrest or person under suspicion. Unless tampered with, what’s captured on video tape pretty much says it all: This is how it happened, in truth. End result? Both officer and subject are more careful, more mindful of their words and actions. They realize they will have to answer to that all-seeing-eye that’s recording everything.
What do you do, what have you done, when “no one is looking”? Isn’t it funny how much more well behaved we are, when we know that we’re “being watched.” If for no other reason, perhaps this is a good argument for our need of God. A Being far greater than ourselves, and better—righteous and good, holy and pure—to whom we must give an account of our lives. Most of us cringe at such a thought.
Do we really want God to playback our lives on some gigantic celestial screen, come Judgment Day, showing us every bad deed we’ve ever committed, deserving of judgment and just deserts? I should say not. But then, how shall we then be held accountable? Why do we want so much for our enemies to be condemned under the strong arm of truth and justice, while we beg to be excused from the same? Isn’t that a bit one-sided and unjust in itself?
Justice will be had. Every human being must be and will be held to account. The record will speak for itself. Are you ready for that celestial instant replay of your life? Just how innocent and pure are you really?
This is why we need a Savior, one who is not only able but willing to redeem us. In comes the person and message of Jesus—who is both the substance and subject of the message, the good news—we can be saved, redeemed, and forgiven for our wrongs committed.
So, next time you think you are alone and no one is watching, think again. It might help to remind yourself that there is a kind of a celestial body-camera on your person, recording every action, every word you speak. And someday you shall be held accountable to those very same words and deeds. God knows. It’s all on tape, His tape. Or perhaps you are perfect in every way and don’t need to worry about it.
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