THE PUBLIC SCAVENGER
A long time ago in Greece, some politicians decided to play a joke on a fellow politician in their group. They got him appointed to the post of Public Scavenger. It was a dirty, lowly post. But instead of being humiliated, the man decided he would show everybody what he could do with such a lowly assignment.
He eliminated the unsanitary conditions in the city, which had bred infection and disease for decades. He promoted habits of cleanliness and stimulated civic pride.
This man did such a good job that people began to look at the office of Public Scavenger with respect. And after his term expired, those same people appointed only the best men with exceptional ability to that post.
(From a sermon by C. Philip Green, Genuine Servants, 8/5/2010)