1. We want to know you’re crazy about God

Tell us about things God is doing in your life on a regular basis. We could use more testimonies! Show us what church means to you and why you come. Show us worship! Show us your sanctified life. Show us passion for the truth, zeal for God, and fruit of the Spirit.

2. We want to see you crazy about your spouse

Some of us remember you when you were dating, courting, or whatever term your generation liked to use. Remember how in love you looked? We do. Surprise us with a little more affection. It’s okay, you’re married and in love. Marriage is something we desperately need to see working. It also points to God’s amazing design, so don’t feel like it puts you on the spot–it puts God on the spot!

3. We want to see you spend less time working in the world and more time working in the kingdom of God

I can’t think of a better way to build the kingdom of God than to love your family. A family that is taught to cherish God and the Scriptures will naturally grow up and expand the Kingdom of God. Getting ahead in this world will likely do the opposite. I think wives and children can play a big part in helping the man understand that his physical provision is appreciated, but so is his spiritual provision. If you are retired, great, there are lots of unmet mentoring opportunities in the church! It’s proven to work better than generational neglect and criticism. Understand the kingdoms, and show us which one is more attractive.

4. Tell us your story

I can’t tell you how much we love hearing stories about your courting years or about lessons you’ve learned throughout years of marriage. We live in this world too, the same world you live in, so we know what realities and struggles are. Give us inspiration, tell us about the victories. Tell us it was worth everything. Tell us your love keeps growing and growing, and show it. Never be afraid to tell us stories from your own life — we remember those and the work God has done really well, and they most likely will strike up conversations and relationships with us!

5. Don’t forget about us

They say young people tend to be forgotten in a church, but I’m not sure how accurate that is necessarily in our circles — I’m simply not sure, it may be true! I think most of us are normal — we want to love and be loved. Yes, we already love God, and know we are loved by Him (otherwise we wouldn’t be here and we wouldn’t care). Most of us also are just like you were and desire marriage. Singleness can be difficult for all sorts of reasons. Pray for us. Encourage us. And guide us.

I also want to thank all of you for your examples of faith and encouragement and interest in our lives. We pray for you, and thank God for you.

Which one of these five things stood out to you the most? I’d love to hear your comments, and in fact you can put some of these into practice right now for others to read!