Dear Public Servant,
What an amazing moment for you to step into the ring of public service! The challenges have never been greater and great outcomes have never been more important. So your willingness to give of yourself to solve problems and serve our neighbors encourages me greatly.
There is no way for me to speak for all Jesus following people, but I would like to bring a little perspective from a Christian worldview that I hope will help.
So thank you for giving considerations to these 10 axioms of public service:
1. Public service is an honorable pursuit.
You may have the impression that some Christians despise politicians, and perhaps some do. We don’t all speak well of your efforts, but the Bible teaches that those who hold public office deserve both our honor and our prayer (Romans 13:1; 1 Timothy 2:1-4). So I make the political promise to you that I will honor you in every way I know how and pray for God’s favor on your life, your family, and your work.
2. Public service derives its authority from God.
Jesus told the Roman governor Pilate that Pilate’s authority was given to him by God the Father. (John 19:11) In Romans 13, Paul wrote that God establishes human governments. So as you serve the public, it’s my prayer you will look to God for wisdom, direction, and help. He’s available. He’s engaged. And He’s all in to show His glory through you.
3. Public service sacrifices for the common good.
God loves the world and establishes governments so that everyone regardless of background, religious beliefs, or personal practices can live in peace, with minimal threat from those who would do evil. So every ambition you have to serve others is one that I will champion, even when it benefits people who are not yet following Jesus with me.
4. Public service requires only your best.
Expectations are always high, but truthfully, perfection is not the goal. You are human. You will work hard, but you will make mistakes. You will learn new things and change your position on important issues. I will not always be happy with your decisions, and sometimes those decisions will hurt people. But whatever you do, for better or for worse, please take personal responsibility for your actions. Your shortcomings are no bigger than mine. God has enough grace for me, so I’ll have plenty for you.
5. Public service lifts up ordinary people.
Your most important work may not make the news, and it may not even get you re-elected. But those long committee meetings, the weeks on end away from your family, that vote that forced your hand, the efforts that fell short of your promises—all of it matters to ordinary people who need just one person to notice their vulnerability and attempt to do something about it.
6. Public service shapes the conscience of a community.
Politics is downstream from culture, but I think the opposite is also true. Your personal actions and your words influence how the rest of us treat people and think about important things. I’m listening to you and learning from you. Your “Billy Pulpit” is one of God’s graces in your life that can move all us toward better solutions and unite all kinds of people for the common good.
7. Public service cultivates lofty ideals.
Government is not ultimate, but it is important. That’s why we are interested in your work, and that’s why we want to believe in you. But celebrity without decency and thoughtfulness produces despondency, anger, and resentment. So do everything you can to call us to wonderful ideas, inspire us to join enormous causes, lead us away from the trash heaps of pettiness, and walk us in the way of significance. I will follow you every chance I get. Your charisma and eloquence may impress me, but it is your character and good judgment that give me reason to hope.
8. Public service thrives under pressure.
After the fall of Adam and Eve, that task God gave them to rule the earth became even more laborious, yet even more important. Mammoth challenges few others are prepared to answer will be placed on you. The weight will be heavy, but you do not have to carry it alone. Instead, leverage the pressure to widen your reach. Invite others to help. I’ll answer your call. But more importantly, the Lord is your Helper, especially in your weakness.
9. Public service welcomes diverse perspectives.
Your enemy dreams of your demise, but your critic does not. Instead, the sincere critic actually wants to see you do what is best; he just has different ideas about the pathway to success. So any diverse opinions I may have are never meant to demonize you or to divide us from one another, but to add value to the work we all care so much about.
10. Public service points to a greater kingdom.
Whether you realize it or not, your work is a picture, although an imperfect one, of a greater, perfect kingdom to come. Jesus himself rules this coming kingdom. So I pray for you and highly esteem you as a partner in the grace of God, an evangelist of sorts, so that our neighbors might “lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:2-4).
God’s speed as you serve in the public square.
Photo by Stephen Walker on Unsplash