We have all seen video of protestors confronting police.

One particular situation was potentially explosive.

The police were armed but out-numbered by angry protesters.

They were trained to remain calm to try to deescalate the situation.

Angry female protesters screamed obscenities a female officer’s face.

Stone-faced, the female officer stood her ground and silently took the verbal assault.

We often admire the powerful, swift actions of those enforcing law and order.

But I admired this officer’s power of self-control and not react.

There is a time and place for a heavy hand against those who oppose the rule of law.

But if the officer had responded in any way, more violence would have erupted.

She was armed, well-trained and selflessly thinking of what was best for others.

We have mental weapons to fight battles in our minds.

One officer explained his attitude:

“Remind yourself that you can not be insulted by a person you do not respect.”

Jesus Christ gave us the greatest example of the power of self control.

He selflessly accepted abuse to benefit us.

Being mocked as the King, spit upon, laughed at, beaten, and ultimately nailed to a cross, Jesus voluntarily took the abuse.

His response to his abusers: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

He saw a bigger picture with eternal consequences for you and me.

Perhaps that female officer was standing there praying for those abusing her.

There is a time for courageous action.

And there is a time for courageous stillness in the face of adversity.

As a senior adult, use your active and passive weapons in life’s battles.

That knowledge doesn’t just come with age.

It comes from character-building from above and those who have gone before us.

Next week: What about Columbus Day?

Dan Williams is the senior adult pastor at Lexington Baptist Church.