So, let’s lay some stuff down here to add to my last post.

  1. Get involved in a Christ-exalting church. If you aren’t involved, and yes, we’ll begin with the word ‘involved’ here, then definitely find a place to call home. A couple of thoughts on that:
    • Church-search with the bride in mind. Place musical/preaching/ambience style choices lower on the list, and place a rekindled love for the Bride near to the top. Style choices aren’t bad, but assess your reasons for attending. Are you going to be going to this church Bride-minded or I-minded? Find a place that exalts and exults in the name of Jesus. Find a place where you will dedicate yourself to the people, laypersons, deacons, elders, and staff. Personal development is important, but only after a realization for the totality of the Bride is understood.
    • Seek out God-glorifying leadership and accountability. Find older, Jesus-loving, wise people who can keep you in line. If your parents are at your church you hopefully have this already covered. If not, make sure you’re seeking out older, wiser guidance. Peers are great– for sharing in the same burdens. The wisdom of people older and deeper in love for Christ is invaluable though.
    • Make connections. So you have a Christ-exalting church and wise accountability. Get some people to walk alongside! Make connections.
  2. Seek the Spirit. Seek the word. Rekindle your love for Him. Be in the word and crave the Spirit to rekindle your love for the Gospel and ultimately love for Christ.
  3. Care for the Bride. Be burdened for the church. Rekindle your love for Her. Recognize Christ’s love for the church, which is where our love for the church comes from. Realize that Christ came for her, not exclusively for you.
  4. Devote yourself to your local body. I realize these are a little out of order. But once you’re at a church, don’t take it lightly. Those people are your people. I’m not saying to devote unconditionally to a local organization, but realize the severity of your local commitments. As Lecrae says, so eloquently:

    5. Now I’m not sayin there’s a perfect church out there man,
    I’m not saying just run away and leave,
    Some of y’all might have to wrestle with some churches
    You know what I’m sayin?
    But don’t throw the baby out with the bad water man,
    She the church man.

    The reasons for leaving a church are fewer than we think, as III has observed before.

Be on the lookout for Be the Gospel Part 2: Take to the World. In pursuit of a brokenness for the world’s brokenness, and a burden to see redemption, regeneration and the name of Christ proclaimed.

-Riley