The video of a police officer appeared online on Wednesday August 30, 2023 as he was being de-kitted publicly by the authorities of Adamawa State Police Command in Nigeria. He was one of two officers who were subjected to an orderly room trial. Before their ordeal, they were both attached to Dumne Divisional Police. They were tried on a three-count charge – defamation of character, culpable homicide, and unlawful exercise of authority. Guilty on all counts, they were recommended for dismissal and to be formally charged to court. Of the three counts, the one that caught my attention the most was “unlawful exercise of authority”. This immediately brings to mind part of the issues raised in our previous meditation. We observed that Samuel had to go through Saul to instruct his servant to move ahead and create some privacy. We noted that Samuel did not talk directly to the servant because he was another man’s servant. His anointing did not confer on him unlimited influence over what pertains to others.

The Bible teaches us to respect boundaries. Even Jesus kept within boundaries. He did and taught only what the Father permitted. He testified that the works which He did were as the Father instructed. Once, He was invited by a man to adjudicate over his family estate. He sharply rebuked him, “Who made me a judge or divider over you?” On another occasion, some people wanted to make Him king but He withdrew from them. Those who keep within their jurisdiction will not only avoid many troubles but will also please God.