A Prayer For Public Service

Those in public service play a crucial role in God’s sovereign care for the world. Indeed, those who serve publicly in the government are not perfect people, yet God is still using them to achieve His purposes (Isaiah 46:9-10  Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,  Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:). Whether you are a public servant or know of someone who is in public service, this article highlights the importance of community service to the service of God, how it can reflect God’s glory to the world, and what we can pray for those engaged in public service.

Father in heaven, I pray for those in public service that they shall always put the public’s interest ahead of their own and serve the people with a genuine heart of service. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

God’s Servant

Most of those who are in public service are also in the government. Romans 13:1-7 provides information about our governing authorities. It teaches us that God institutes them, and all authority comes from God alone. Therefore, those who are in authority only have power because God has allowed them to be in charge. God has appointed them to accomplish His purposes; therefore, those who resist authorities also resist God (except when compelled to sin). The authorities are there to seek the general welfare of the people, and their conduct is assumed to be above reproach. The passages describe someone in authority as a sword and an avenger, who carries out God’s wrath upon the wrongdoer. 

While the passage at first glance pertains to the policing power of the government, such as enforcing the laws to protect peace and order, the authorities over us are there mostly to promote the common good. Even if we have imperfect governments, it is better than having none, which would result in chaos and anarchy.

That is how important the role of public servants is. They can make a difference in the lives of many through the work they do. As a believer, you see public service as a labor for God because it reflects who He is. If one is a public defender, he or she reflects God’s righteousness through his or her service. If one is a legislator whose mission is to enact laws that address social responsibility, that legislator reflects God’s benevolence. Being servants of God through public service also entails being His instruments. God is the One Who holds the world. Without Him, the world would fall apart. When you or someone you know serves the public, you are partaking in God’s governance of the world (Genesis 1:26-28, Colossians 3:23-24, Psalm 103:19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.).

 

 

Salt and Light

We understand how crucial public service is and that taking part in God’s kingdom is its key role, but what makes the public service of believers different from that of non-believers is that believers aim to be the salt and light to the world.

In Matthew 5:14-16, it is written that God calls us to be the salt and light to the world. We are to let our light shine for others so that when others witness it, they will be moved to praise and glorify God. In the realm of public service, we aim to serve excellently and also be good examples by having integrity and being holy, blameless, and above reproach in our conduct.

Being the salt means that we are to be God’s agents who make the world a better place. Salt, in another context, is used to preserve meat, so that implies that we are to preserve whatever is good. Salt is also used to make food taste better, so we are to be a blessing and make things around us better. Salt was also used as an ingredient for a balm when added to honey. Therefore, we are to be God’s agents of healing in this world. One of the best platforms to do this is through public service.

What, Then, Shall We Pray?

Whether you are in public service or someone you know is, what you can pray for is that you always have the heart of glorifying God through public service. In 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God., it is written that we are to glorify God in everything that we do. Colossians 3:23-24 also teaches us that we work heartily—not ultimately for men but for God. If, indeed, as followers of Christ, we want to glorify God and work heartily for Him, we will aim to be the salt and light to the world through the public service that we do. This comes from a heart that aims to glorify God and loves Him; one strives to live as a living sacrifice for God.

Father in heaven, always form in my heart the desire to glorify and honor You through public service. In every service I do, may I aim to be the salt and light to this world, making it a better place and preserving that which is good. Give me the boldness to point people to Christ, Who is the ultimate light of the world. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

The greatest good that those who are in public service can do isn’t to seek the common good of the people as much as to preach Christ. Life can be found in Christ alone; not in legislation, public policies, or government initiatives. That is why, as a believer, preaching the Gospel to your fellow public servants would make a tremendous difference, for they will desire to be the salt and light and serve God only if they have a relationship with Him.