Be Not Conformed To This World (Rom 12:2)

[childofdust]

One fundamental aspect of Anabaptism is separation from the world. This means different things to different Anabaptists, but it is an issue that affects and defines our entire lives. Conformity and nonconformity/separation and participation is the struggle we embrace day in and day out. This makes us targets—just as it did Yeshua. Conflict, persecution, trial, and suffering will result when our separation, lack of participation, and nonconformity comes in contact with the world and its ways. Whatever the outcome and to whatever end, we cling to our Christian duty in the name of the ever-faithful YHWH and holding fast to the evidence of that fidelity: the resurrection of Yeshua. Faith—following Christ—was not something forced upon me. It was not something I was born into. It is no status conferred on me by another. I believed, made a choice to follow, and repented. Since that time, I am learning what it means to live my belief, choice, and penitence. The rubber meets the road when I as a follower of Yeshua and the world which is not meet. I am in the world, but not of the world. I often find myself thinking: but the way I am going (or not going), the things I am doing (or not doing), are cutting me off from society...is that something I want, is that something YHWH wants, is it good? It is not always the case that what I want or what I think is good are the same as what YHWH wants. In fact, sometimes I want to conform to the world and find ways to do so without even knowing it. Living without a cell phone or television, living well under my means without frills and expensive things—most of my furniture being random discarded pieces I picked off the street—these are not sacrifices. It is a sacrifice to not conform my tongue to the dead language of the world, which makes use of cuss and curse words because it does not know the Word whose speech brought the dead to life. It is a sacrifice, when I am attacked and wronged by another, to choose to return peace, love, and good to those who do not deserve it. To say to myself “vengeance is YHWH's” and “I will follow Yeshua.” It is a sacrifice to choose to stand apart from the pride of nationalism and the power of empire--to say to the people of the nation in which I dwell, when a man attempts a terrorist attack and fails in the attempt, that their anger against such a thing is justified, and so they should be equally angry that they arm and send out their own troops to do that very same violence to others—but actually succeed in the attempt far beyond the capabilities of the other. YHWH, you gave me life and breath, you sustain me in this world and the world to come. Show me your ways. Overthrow my stubborn mind and world-conforming heart. Through the power of your Son, may all creation be restored.

 

[AForestOfStars]

Very good post.

Also, I believe that, we are indeed not to conform to the patterns of this world. And also, that we are called to be a peculiar people, as the scriptures say. However, I don't think we should physically separate ourselves totally FROM other people, as how would we be able to witness to them? (I know that isn't what you said; I am only saying this in case someone else who reads this post believes we are to shun ALL non-believers away). Like the Scriptures say, we are IN the World and will stay In it for a time, but we are not OF it.

 

[JordanDaniel]

I'm not tryin to degrade anything, I'm only 16 so forgive me if I offend you. Anabaptist take scriptures literally and hierarchlly? And baptists kind of the opposite? I've come to conform to this world a lot,using video games, cigarettes and sometimes pot to help me cope with what I've gone through. It sounds like an excuse but as far as I know it's a reason...I plan to rid what really harms my temple such as cigs and pot.
I like to think to not conform to the ways of this world is trying to please Jesus and not others.... Nothin like usin cruddy furniture. Or not playing video games or having a cell phone to keep in contact with my famiy.
Why isnt there just be straight up Christians without all the fancy subdivisions? I guess with the love of our Father comes freedom. I'm just insatiably curious as to why there are subdivisions with different Christian opinions and beleifs. Just seems like there should just be ONE. I dunno...I just gotta get educated I guess.

 

[BereanStudent]

One thing I have noticed is that most non christians have heard of the mennonites and Amish and know what they stand for. They also have heard of nuns nd what they stand for. The worldly people seem to understand somehow that these groups have done what they have done out of devotion to God.

There are different methods of evangelism. I think that those who seperate from the world are a witness to the world by the life they live.