Bringing Our Worst...Giving Our Best
6/2/2011
To Lori Bultemeier, lay, clergy, newly commissioned and newly retired have one thing in common: We are in a continual state of falling short of the glory of God.
Recounting a story of having lunch with a grandmother and her grandchildren after church one Sunday, Bultemeier recalls asking one of the children, “What did you learn at Sunday School?” The girl replied, “We learned about the 12 despicables (disciples)."
"That preaches, girlfriend," Bultemeier said. "What choice did Jesus have but to choose despicables? And Jesus continues to choose despicables to further his Kingdom.”
Bultemeier noted that at salvation, we all bring God our worst, but from that moment forward, we are called to give our best.
Using the analogy of suitcases with the stickers showing where one has been, Bultemeier also said what is put inside also determines one’s destination.
“What do we pack for the journey from here to eternity?” she asked. “Our attitudes and expectations matter when we pack the suitcase.”
Quoting Zephaniah 3:17, Bultemeier said that along the journey, “The Lord is with you mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will renew you in his love.”
