You open the mailbox, and there it is—yet another wedding invitation. That makes about seven this week and approximately 84,000 this month if you round up. If I turn on my computer or phone I will most likely see another bended knee fellow with ring in hand and smile on face. “Going to the chapel” appears to be the theme song for this generation.

I too have joined the ranks of these lovingly devoted couples by claiming the title of “engaged.” Yes folks, you read that right. I have recently said yes to the question of forever as well. Before you start looking for my save-the-dates or asking what color my decorative candles will be, let me stop you. I have chosen to be engaged, but it is probably not the way you are thinking.

To be engaged means to be busy, occupied, seriously involved with, or dedicated to. The work of the Kingdom is something I am deciding to be fervent and faithful to now more than ever.

In the case of marriage, the engagement is a step of commitment before you say “I do.” The ring and proposal simply mean you are pledging to something bigger. It may come as a shock to some of you, but nothing is final until the marriage license is signed. You must still work and prepare for not only the wedding day, but for a lifelong journey with the other person. When you agree to be engaged, it is about more than just you and your needs. Commitment can be intimidating, but it is essential in any healthy relationship. It is also part of our connection with the King.

“For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you” (Isaiah 62:5).

Any fanatical fiancé you meet cannot seem to be quieted. She is as giddy as a kid in a candy store or a grown-up with a fresh box of Girl Scout cookies. The bride-to-be is excited and focused on each and every detail of her big day because it is important to her.

We as a church need this fresh dose of excitement pulsing through our veins. I recently recognized that as much as I try to do, if I am honest, I could do more to be occupied with the things that really matter. The truth is, we could all be more a little more involved—whether in conversation, prayer, or reaching the lost—just to name a few. We can propose to be better friends, workers, and saints in the church. We are not of the world, but we are in it and must do what we have been set apart to do.

This is merely an example of what we are as the bride of Christ until we reach Heaven’s gate and are finally united with the Bridegroom forever. We must actively be making preparations. The list of attendants is ever growing and the table is being set. What will be said of you when the wedding bells ring? Will you be called faithful? Will you be referred to as honorable in the sight of the One who has consecrated you for Himself? If you aren’t enthusiastic about His kingdom, maybe it is time to dive head first deeper into that eternal commitment. We cannot fathom what God has prepared for His betrothed. If you aren’t engaged, my friend, you should be. Get ready; I hope to see you at the wedding.

“And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:2-4).

Rachel Thorne was born in Florida and has lived in many places throughout the United States. She is a graduate of Urshan College, formerly known as Gateway College of Evangelism. She wants to make a difference and change her world. Rachel is actively seeking the will of God for her life and is willing to do whatever He has for her.