Let it flow

In my English Composition class, we're learning about "free-writing." It is this process that attempts to extract your best ideas through constant uninterrupted writing. The implication is that your best ideas are your first ideas, and that is what needs to be unleashed. There is no need to worry about grammar and punctuation because you just want to find some content that may spark any other ideas for the future. Apparently, this is one of the best ways to get rid of writer's block, and I think it's fun.

I typically have some sort of theme whenever I blog, but I think I'll just free write this one. No theme. No logical flow. Just thoughts. (I will have punctuation though).

I'm in the middle of my study in Matthew 6, and I've been cut to the quick by the holy Word again. Who knew that brushing up on the Disciple's Prayer would be as convicting as the first day you learned about it. Thanks to this study, I've been in deep sorrow over the faults and wrong motives for my prayer life, and I can only thank the Lord for His constant mercy.

School has finally turned up the heat. Papers upon papers are starting to pile up on me (no pun intended--well, maybe a little). The 18 units is starting to hit home. On top of that, ministry is finally on its way for me. After being on a hiatus since the transition, I have finally got back into a consistent load of different ministries. However busy I may be, I would not have it any other way. The Lord has humbled me in so many ways (with instances leading to tears). And I don't dread it; I'm happy about it. The humbling just reaffirms His love for me and my holiness. I'd rather be kept meekly low than arrogantly up high in ignorant bliss.

Let me make a drastic change in topic. All this recent talk about relationships has been getting me all riled up. And this subject has always been a hobby horse of mine, so here it is... just for kicks. Teenagers and young adults, I hope I'm stepping on many of your toes. :D

Relationships...

Who am I NOT looking for?

1) Someone who will accept me for who I am

• No, I'm looking for someone who will help me be more like Christ.
  

2) Someone who I can mess around and flirt with

• No, I'm looking for a companion--someone to keep me pure. Someone who will be a potential wife (and a mother)

3) Someone who knows it all

• No, I'm looking for someone who will be teachable, and will be willing to learn alongside me through experience and discipleship.

4) Someone who I can go to the movies with

• No, someone who will co-labor in ministry with me. We'll go to Disneyland, and we'll go to the movies, but I want someone who will help me love God's people the way I should be loving His people.
  

5) Someone who's smokin' hot

• No, not by the world's standards. I'm looking for someone who's beauty reflects the marvelous nature of our glorious God in her entire character. Beauty that transcends physicality and one that emulates the Holy.

6) Someone who cannot live without me

• No, I'm looking for someone who will treasure Christ above it all (even me). Her love for Christ will trickle down to our relationship, just like my love for Christ will drive me to love her.
  

7) Someone I can use to make others jealous

• No, I want the world to see our relationship and see how we are modeling Christ and His bride--the church. I want them to be encouraged to follow after us, not because we are the standard, but because we are following after Christ. I want her and I to set the example for our disciples and our children, and to be triumphant where so many others have failed.
  

Yes, I know some of you are probably saying, "Micah, where are the verses?" I'm willing to bet you can pull these application points from Prov. 31, Gal. 5, Titus 2, 1 Peter 3, 1 Cor. 7, or Ephesians 5 (And I don't think I'd be proof-texting either). I think that her love for the Lord would automatically drive her to want to know more and more of Him (I wouldn't have to force her or drag her to do that). My prayer for my future wife is that she would already find full satisfaction in Christ regardless of her marital status. My fellow brothers, I hope you're praying and seeking one that is already like Christ.

Our Christian circles have idolized relationships so much that we have tip-toed worldly standards. It's time for us to reclaim the "right view of relationships" that God desires for all of us who are seeking to be married. Impossible standard? Not with God. I've seen these qualities in my mother, my sister, and my sister's in Christ. It's doable. The standard I give is not mine, it's Christ's. What we cannot do on our own, He will help us with.

I just pray that she be patient and gracious with me because I know that I ain't no catch. I apologize now because in the future, I know that I will mess up and fail. Yes, I'm not perfect, but I do think that the Lord has given me a desire to pursue perfection for His sake. Though I be faulty, I do promise her that I will try my best to work at holiness; and if we both are working at it, by God's grace, maybe He'll see us through to the end (I am pray fervently that He will see us through to the end). My hope will rest on the rock of Christ, and that is where I will lay our foundation.

Future wife, you can bet on that.

It's late. I have to sleep. I have to finish studying. I've ranted, and I've probably made people angry (wounds of a friend yo!). If I've encouraged you, please let me know. I would love to hear from you.

-Micah