Now that November 2 has come and gone and the ads and the campaigning becoming a distant memory the boring drudgery of actual governing is upon you. Promises made about fiscal policy, health care overhauls and job creation now have to be translated into reality (as much as possible in the current governmental arrangement). While governing effectively and upholding the will of the people and the Constitution is your major focus, there is more to being an elected official than policy.
Ethics, integrity, character, and morality are all necessary aspects of serving as a public political figure. Not only do citizens elect you to uphold the Constitution and defend the will of the people, but also to stand as a moral compass for a nation that continually is, to utilize a phrase from Robert Bork, “slouching towards Gomorrah.” For a public representative there must not even be a hint of corruption, ethical violations, or immorality. I challenge you to uphold a sense of profound integrity as you serve in this office. In fact, I would challenge you at an even more fundamental level. All people are inherently sinful (Romans 3:23) and are doomed to failure if left to their own devices (Proverbs 14:12). Left to yourself you will inevitably follow in the selfish footsteps of many of your predecessors who sought their own benefit rather than the benefit of the people. Apart from submitting yourself to the ultimate Lordship of Jesus Christ there is no hope for you (Titus 3:3–7). If you have not ever recognized your sin and repented of it and turned to Jesus Christ as your Lord, I would encourage you to do so today. As Acts 3:19 reads, “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out.” But regardless, I challenge you, not just to pursue fiscal accountability but moral integrity and ethical character. Prove to the people through your service that you will stand as a beacon of integrity in Washington.
Please know that I pray for you regularly as 1 Timothy 2:1–2 reminds us. I pray first and foremost that you would submit your life to Christ today and that you would follow Him closely and pursue a holy life as He is holy. I also pray that you would have the strength to serve the people and uphold the Constitution and that you would create and enforce laws that are pleasing to God and are good for all men. As a Christian and a pastor, I humbly submit myself to my governing officials (Romans 13:1) but also expect them to honor Christ and fulfill the will of the people.
I again reiterate, I will covenant to pray for you regularly as you seek to fulfill your new elected role serving the American people. Remember to do so with integrity, ethics, character, and morality, all rooted in Jesus Christ.
Working out Salvation with Fear and Trembling 
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