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When I was in seminary, it was my great privilege to be a walking companion to Dr. Francis B. Sayre. I have met no one I have admired more. This man, son of a Prebyterian minister, had risen to the highest ranks not only of our government but of world affairs. He was assistant to Secretary of State Cordell Hull, a university professor, governor of the Philippines (escaping from Corrigidor by submarine during the occupation), foreign affairs advisor to the King of Siam, administrator of trust territories for the United Nations. And yet, not once, but many times during our visits together, he told me how much he envied me because I was a minister - an ambition he had never achieved. I was dumbfounded, for I could never touch his accomplishments, or for that matter his Christian dedication, for all of his public service was very clearly done out of his Christian convictions about service to humanity.
Possibly most of us can call to mind someone like this, a great servant of the gospel, who nevertheless looked to us for spiritual guidance. Our reaction is much as John the Baptist, "Do you come to me?" But they too need ministry, as Jesus needed this baptism before his ministry could really begin. So, many times in our ministry, as clergy and lay leaders, we must be willing to do as John did. When those persons whom we consider great lights of faith come to us for ministry, we must not consider our unworthiness, but in humility give what they need and trust that God's spirit will provide for our lack.
- Shearburn
When I was in seminary, it was my great privilege to be a walking companion to Dr. Francis B. Sayre. I have met no one I have admired more. This man, son of a Prebyterian minister, had risen to the highest ranks not only of our government but of world affairs. He was assistant to Secretary of State Cordell Hull, a university professor, governor of the Philippines (escaping from Corrigidor by submarine during the occupation), foreign affairs advisor to the King of Siam, administrator of trust territories for the United Nations. And yet, not once, but many times during our visits together, he told me how much he envied me because I was a minister - an ambition he had never achieved. I was dumbfounded, for I could never touch his accomplishments, or for that matter his Christian dedication, for all of his public service was very clearly done out of his Christian convictions about service to humanity.
Possibly most of us can call to mind someone like this, a great servant of the gospel, who nevertheless looked to us for spiritual guidance. Our reaction is much as John the Baptist, "Do you come to me?" But they too need ministry, as Jesus needed this baptism before his ministry could really begin. So, many times in our ministry, as clergy and lay leaders, we must be willing to do as John did. When those persons whom we consider great lights of faith come to us for ministry, we must not consider our unworthiness, but in humility give what they need and trust that God's spirit will provide for our lack.
- Shearburn
