Remember these wise words, “If you are all wrapped up in yourself, you are overdressed.” Hi, I’m Tom Ellsworth from Sherwood Oaks Christian Church with a minute message.
As President Abraham Lincoln was preparing for his re-election bid in 1864, he was deeply concerned that he might lose to General George McClellan. Consequently, he decided to seek out a strong running mate. Benjamin Franklin Butler had been named by Lincoln as the military governor of New Orleans, and had subsequently become a hero in the northern states. He was Lincoln’s first choice for vice president, but when asked to serve Butler surprisingly refused. It was his opinion that Lincoln would not be re-elected and even if he was, the vice presidency was a do nothing position. He was not about to give up the army to sit in the second chair.
Lincoln did win, of course, and six weeks later was assassinated. Butler might well have become the 17th U.S. president had he not been so wrapped up in his own importance. Proverbs reminds us, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Be wise; there is no disgrace in a second chair. And who knows from that position you might just change history.