Spiritual Watchman: Life Beyond the Uniform

There is a specific sound every officer recognizes: the click of the radio just before you go 10-8. In that moment, I am not just Keith Charles, the guy who likes coffee and a quiet morning; you’re a Watchman. In many ways, you could also say you become a Spiritual Watchman—responsible for the well-being of others on a deeper level. You are “In Service” and “Available.” For 25 years, that code has governed my life. It meant I was ready for the chaos, ready for the call, and ready to stand between the community and the storm.

But as I move from the street to the pulpit, I’ve realized something powerful: The 10-8 mindset isn’t only for those with a badge. In fact, the Kingdom of God is seeking men and women willing to stay “In Service” even after the uniform is removed. We live in a world that is becoming more “10-7″—out of service, checked out, and unavailable for the spiritual battles happening in our own homes and neighborhoods. Many people want the title of “believer,” but very few are willing to walk the spiritual beat.

The Jurisdiction of the Heart

When I’m on patrol in Pinal County, my jurisdiction is defined by county lines and laws. But in the Kingdom, our jurisdiction is the heart. The “calls for service” don’t come over a Motorola radio; they come through a troubled marriage, a wayward child, or a neighbor who has lost all hope. Moving from law enforcement to ministry hasn’t changed my mission—it has simply expanded my patrol. The streets taught me how to handle a crisis, but the Word of God has taught me how to offer a cure. If we are going to trust God in every season, we must realize that our “shift” never truly ends.

The Target on Our Back

Unfortunately, a comfortable but risky teaching is spreading in some pulpits today—a “Best Life Now” theology. It claims that once you surrender to Christ, your bank account will overflow, your health will be perfect, and your life will be filled with nothing but happiness.

Having spent 25 years in the real world, I can tell you: This is not just misleading; it’s a tactical lie. In law enforcement, the uniform makes you a target for those who hate authority. In the Kingdom, the Cross makes you a target for the enemy of our souls. Jesus didn’t promise us an easy life; He promised us a life of conflict. In John 15:20, He warns us clearly: “Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” When we follow Christ, we aren’t signing up for a spa day; we are signing up for the front lines. We put a target on our back the moment we go 10-8 for the Kingdom. But that target is worth it because of our destination. We aren’t fighting for a permanent home here in the “city of man.” We are just passing through.

The Apostle Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 2:11 that we are “foreigners and exiles” in this world. We are on a temporary assignment in a land that is not our home. Our “Best Life” isn’t found in a temporary tax bracket or a life free of struggle—it’s found in the eternal jurisdiction we are headed toward. We endure the persecution and the weight of the assignment now because we know the Chief has already secured our homecoming.

The Equipment Check

In law enforcement, your duty belt is your lifeline. You wouldn’t think of hitting the streets without your sidearm, your cuffs, and your radio. It is a deliberate, daily ritual of preparation. Spiritually, we must be just as disciplined. You should never start your day without prayer and talking with God. If you walk out the door without checking in with the Commander, how can you expect to detect the traps the enemy has set for you?

Think of it like clearing a building. Before the deputies even cross the threshold of a residence, there is a briefing. Everyone has a role, everyone knows the mission, and everyone is on the same page. Once inside, the work isn’t over; there is constant communication and a methodical process of “clearing” every corner. You don’t just rush in blindly.

Life is no different. Every day, you enter courtyards and situations where the enemy hides in the shadows. Without constant communication with God, you lose your tactical advantage. Colossians 4:2 instructs us to: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” This “watchfulness” is your spiritual situational awareness. Just as we methodically clear a room, we must carefully cleanse our hearts and minds through prayer, making sure no bitterness, pride, or deception remains hidden in the corners. When you stay in constant contact with the Father, you aren’t just reacting to life—you are moving with the authority of the One who already knows what’s behind the next door.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re sporting a badge or a business suit, the mission stays the same: Stay 10-8. Keep your equipment maintained, your communication lines open, and your eyes on the Chief. The shift may be long and the calls demanding, but we trust God through every season. Are you ready for your next briefing? Join me every Tuesday at 6:00 a.m. for our “2-Minute Tuesday” video series right here on the site.