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The Meaning of Service

Audio / Produced by The High Calling

Transcript

Elihu Root was already a national figure, known and respected, when President Teddy Roosevelt asked him to serve as Secretary of State. Some people thought it would be better for Root's career to decline the president's appointment and run for president himself. An acquaintance wrote him a letter that said, "Why not wait three years and get the substance instead of the shadow?"

Root replied in a single-sentence letter that spoke volumes. He wrote, "I have always thought that the opportunity to do something worthwhile is the substance—and that trying to get something is the shadow."

This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. In his willingness to put service above position, and duty above fame, Elihu Root rose to the high calling of our daily work.

Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.

(2 Cor. 2:17)