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Post by Brother Randy on Apr 12, 2006 22:35:23 GMT -5
Romans 12:2 , 1Peter2:9 This is a subject that keeps coming to mind for me.
For those of us that are not born plain or Mennonite and thus raise that way. What does it mean to you to be non-conforming? Or does it mean anything to you ?
As we go down the path of a simpler life and trying to have a closer walk with the Lord . How do we look at the things of the world and our relationship to it.
The following is some thoughts on it.
Non-conformity is to have a different master and a corresponding loyalty. When we become Christians we should become bond servants and ambassadors for Jesus Christ. We make him our Lord and Saviour. Sad to say alot of professing Christians only add Jesus to their life.
Non-conformity is transformative, Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God. { a side note , In 2 Cor 11 : 13,14 15 false apostles are transformed into apostles of Christ . and Satan is transformed into an angle of light}
Non- conformity is a spiritual reality. Once again Romans 12:2 , 1 Peter 2:9
As we go from day to day is this the reasons we do the things we do. Act different, dress different, and have a different attitude about the world around us and about life in general.
As we seek to become more Christ like I trust this would be a goal of ours.
Bro Randy
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Post by George on Apr 12, 2006 23:55:20 GMT -5
Good observations brother Randy. I believe the two most important words in Romans 12:2 are transformed and mind. Your mind will be transformed into whatever it is engaged in. If we are inundated with bad music, TV, or whatever things the world has to offer our mind will be transformed into those things and we will thus conform to the world.
If we choose to read God's Holy Word, listen to godly music and stay away from the newspaper, TV, movies, secular books and things of that nature our minds will be transformed into what we see and hear and we will conform to God's wishes for us rather than the ungodly things of the world.
I was recently at a friend's house and saw a copy of TV Guide magaziine on the coffee table. It caught my interest because the last time I saw one it was a little magazine. It is now rather larger. I picked it up and started glancing through it. It took no more than a minute to realize it has been turned into a piece of trash that is full of what amounts to soft porn material.
In Christ, George
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Post by Sister Penny on Apr 13, 2006 6:49:53 GMT -5
Non-conformity here is living according to God's Word and not following the world and it's temptations.. Our Pastor recently had a good sermon on standing up for your faith and not hiding and running when a tough issue is presented...but be strong in the Word and stick to it.
Don't follow the world, even as plainer Christians, we are always an example of what the Word states..
Thanks for this interesting topic Brother Randy.. God bless Sister Penny
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Post by benshelpmeet on Apr 13, 2006 10:00:48 GMT -5
Dear Bro Randy,
Thank you for your clear message on Non- conformity is a spiritual reality.
Non-conformity is to have a different master and a corresponding loyalty. When we become Christians we should become bond servants and ambassadors for Jesus Christ. We make him our Lord and Saviour. Sad to say alot of professing Christians only add Jesus to their life.
As we go from day to day is this the reasons we do the things we do. Act different, dress different, and have a different attitude about the world around us and about life in general.
Non-conformity is transformative, Romans 12:2I jumbled it all around, but these were Excellent points you made. I really appreciate your message, it encouraged me greatly.
I really liked what Bro George said about:Your mind will be transformed into whatever it is engaged in. If we are inundated with bad music, TV, or whatever things the world has to offer our mind will be transformed into those things and we will thus conform to the world.
If we choose to read God's Holy Word, listen to godly music and stay away from the newspaper, TV, movies, secular books and things of that nature our minds will be transformed into what we see and hear and we will conform to God's wishes for us rather than the ungodly things of the world.Thank you again, ~ sister Darlene ~
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2006 10:37:30 GMT -5
I have a question for the Brothers on this board. Please tell me, where does non-conformity come in when your husband is not a believer? I have been struggling for a while with a few things along that line. I feel I (or the children) SHOULD NOT: watch television, listen to ungodly music, dress worldly, etc. My problem lies in the fact that my husband likes me to dress a little worldly when we go out. He wants me to do a little something with my hair, put on a tiny bit of make-up, and wear clothes I am not comfortable wearing. The clothes might still be considered conservative by the world's standard, but not by mine. I'm still 'covered up', but feel flashy. He also does not see why we cannot watch even the 'family' shows on tv like the funny videos on Sunday night or Wheel of Fortune on weeknights. He just does not understand, and how can he? Also, he wants our daughter to wear jeans when we go for hikes and bike rides - he thinks she looks funny in a dress or long skirt (but for some reason he does not mind it if I wear a dress or long skirt). And he listens to talk radio, sports or ungodly music while we are in the car. Although I will say he's been better at changing the channel when something bad comes on (well, it's all 'bad' ... but you know what I mean). Please understand in all of this I am very nice to him. I do the best I can to please him and be thankful at all times. But at the same time there's always this little voice in my head that is so uncomfortable with it (we do not watch television though ... he seems to be alright with that except he will comment once in a while). My question - do I have to submit to my husband when it comes to issues like this? This might sound silly, but whenever we go out and I am dressed for him, I know no one would be able to look at me and know that I am a Christian - this really bothers me. Also, when my daughter wears jeans, it makes me want to cry. It really bothers her brothers too. What should I do? Continue to submit to his wishes in these areas or politely refuse??? Is there something in the Scriptures that addresses this issue? I still consider myself a 'baby Christian'. I feel I know so little. I hope this is all right to post here - this has been heavy on my heart for a while. Thank you for listening.
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Post by Brother Ben on Apr 13, 2006 13:51:08 GMT -5
Sister Joanne, Thank you for honoring us by openning your heart. I know this isn't a physical community, but it is our hearts desire to be as close to all of you as we can, though it be "cyber." Your question will evoke many different responses in the Christian community at large, but we have come to the conclusion in our life that there are two kingdoms, the kingdom of this world, and the kingdom of Christ. When we were born again, we became citizens of the kingdom of Christ and ambassadors for that kingdom.
Yours is a particularly touchy case, but the fact that you are of the kingdom of Christ does not change and therefore, the demands on your life as a blood-bought disciple do not change. You must go to God and seek if the convictions you have a scriptural mandates. If they are, you cannot compromise on them.
Our stand is thus, if an authority figure ask us to do something that is not clearly against scripture, we are to do all we can to obey that request. For example, if a sisters husband wants her to cook a certain kind of food, then she is to obey (as long as the resources are available to fulfill his request.) However, if a husband asks a wife (or child) to do something that the Almighty God has said, "No." about then we are to obey God rather than men.
This must be done in a spirit of sweetness, and with loving words. I believe in obeying the law and supporting my government within the confines of my scriptural convictions, however, if my governement said I could no longer read my Bible or fellowship with other believers, I would have to disobey my authority on those points. Just because bad decisions are made in one or two areas, it is not permission to disobey arbitrarily.
I would gently share your heart with your husband and help him to see that you belong to the kingdom of Christ and as a citizen of that kingdom and as a parent, you are responsible to carry yourself and see to the godly training of your children. And as always, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. This is something that the Father is very concerned about and He is able to touch your husband's heart. Do not fail to use scripture when sharing your convictions, because God has promised that His word would not come back void.
We will carry this burden with your also. I would encourage anyone who loves Christ to bring this before the Father on behalf of sister Joanne.
For Christ and His glory, Bro. Ben
I'll post more as the Lord brings things to remembrance.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2006 17:13:58 GMT -5
Thank you Brother Ben. I was directed to a previous thread that helped me a lot. I will continue to pray and seek God's Will. My husband will be open to listening to what the Bible says ... but that does not mean he will agree I am thankful that he will at least listen though. I have asked him (and will kindly ask again) if he would like to come with me to pick out some clothes we can both agree on. I think what's hardest for him is that I am a completely different person now from what I used to be when we first got together! I was very worldly, now I am not even close (except when I dress as he wants me to). I feel sad for him in a way because it all was totally out of his control (how I became Christian and have changed so much). But yet I am so thankful that for the most part he likes the 'new me'. Thank you so much for your prayers and your post - I appreciate it a lot. I do feel at times I am very alone in my Christian walk - this board has helped me somewhat. I am trying to be content with where I am at; usually it's easy, but sometimes I feel like I'm walking around blind! A good church home would help ... but they seem to be few and far between. I will continue to pray and once again, thank you for your words and your prayers.
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Post by allenehatherell12 on May 7, 2006 3:37:51 GMT -5
Dear Joanne, I am new to this board too and am also married to a non believer and it is difficult at times....i came to the Lord 4 years ago this September and my dear husband remains an unbeliever. but i also can say that he likes the new me better then the old! but it does cause some conflict, especailly with music and TV. Fortunately, dress is not such an issue, he thinks i look more ';elegant' in a dress and i have to say i do wear skirts and blouses...anyway, we do have something in common!! as well as being sisiters in Christ, so i wanted to say hello and that i will be praying for you as you follow the Lord! Much Love, Sisiter Allene
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