“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” – 1 Peter 4:12
There was a recent incident that took place in a small Georgia town that is garnering much attention, and that also provides a glimpse of where our nation stands. The situation centers around Jacob Kersey, a police officer for the Port Wentworth, Georgia, Police Department who exercised his freedom of speech to publicly tell the truth about marriage.
Last month, on January 2, 2023, Kersey on his personal Facebook page shared three simple Biblical facts about marriage. The nineteen-year-old police officer wrote, “God created marriage. Marriage refers to Christ and the church. That is why there’s no such thing as a homosexual marriage.”
Soon after the Facebook post the Port Wentworth Police Department said it had received an anonymous complaint and then decided to place Kersey on leave just a couple of days later on January 4th. The department then launched an investigation to determine Kersey’s fate. The investigation ended on January 13th when Kersey received an official letter stating that the department did not find any wrongdoing, however, comments like his were likely to be found offensive to “protected classes.”
The letter basically threatened Kersey that if he made similar comments in the future that he could be terminated. The young officer realizing he was being cornered courageously decided to turn in his badge rather than be silenced for his deeply held Biblical beliefs.
This situation reveals that in our postmodern nation, as secularism continues to advance, Biblical truth at the very least is being characterized as controversial. We must have the courage, no matter the cost, to stand for truth as we know that the Lord will greatly bless those who are “strong and courageous” for Him.
LET US PRAY…
Father, we pray that You will bless Jacob Kersey for his courage and commitment to Your truth. Lord, please give us the courage to take a public stand for You regardless of the consequences that could follow. Father, as our nation continues to become more secular, empower us with Your Spirit to always remain true to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
