30-Day Marriage Class by Vance K. Jacksonনমুনা

Be Not Conformed.

“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.” Romans 12:2 KJV

Submit your heart and your marriage to God. Leave the past behind you. Leave the ways of the world behind you. It’s time to move forward in everything that Christ has for you. God wants you to conquer new territories for Him. God wants to transform you. He wants to transform your family. God wants to transform a generation—through you.

Your marriage is an example of God’s Love on Earth. Your marriage sets the pattern. Your marriage sets the tone of your family. You have the choice. Your marriage can either become a Godly example and pattern of success, or it can wither in the wilderness by surrendering to the things and ways of this world. Choose to surrender to Christ. Choose life. Choose His Way.

According to Strong’s Concordance, the Greek word for Conform is syschēmatizō (G4964), which means “To conform one’s self (i.e., one’s mind and character) to another’s pattern, (fashion oneself according to).” You can choose to pattern your mind after the world’s way of doing things, or you can choose to follow Christ and let His Power transform you—forever.

According to Strong’s Concordance, the Greek word for Transform is metamorphoō (G3339), which means “To change into another form, to transform, or to transfigure.” When you choose to submit to Christ, you’ll change into another form. When you pattern yourself after His Word, you’ll begin to transform from the inside out. Transformation happens from the inside out. Manipulation happens from the outside in.

When you try to change or transform by your own power or in your own strength, you’re manipulating others into thinking that a change has taken place on the inside, when really, it’s just a facade. Facades fade away. True heart transformation comes from God.

When God transforms you, you’ll change into another man—a man after His Heart. When Christ leads and orders your steps, the things that you used to do—you will not have a desire to do them anymore. The desires, cravings, and appetite that you used to have, will fade away. “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” 1 Corinthians 13:11 KJV.

Transformation is a process. When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are changed instantly. When you accept Christ, your spiritual DNA instantly changes. Now, your flesh has to catch up with Whom your heart just accepted.

God transforms you, but you must choose to obey. God accepts you, but your body must submit and surrender. God embraces you and sees you through the Blood of His Son, Jesus Christ, but you must choose to put off the old man. The Good News is that you do not have to put away the former things on your own or in your own strength—that’s why we have a Savior.

Jesus Christ did not only die for your sins, but according to Matthew 1:23 KJV, Jesus Christ is also called Emmanuel, being interpreted, “God with us”. God is with you. God is with your family. God is with your marriage. Jesus Christ wants you to be healed, whole, and restored.

Like Paul, who was formerly Saul, your transformation can be instantaneous. And then, sometimes, transformations can take a little longer. Paul puts it this way in Romans 6:1–2 KJV, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” When you are in Christ, you are dead to sin. You have the choice to not live in sin. When you are in Christ, you have the choice to not live in the bondage of the past. Be not entangled by the lusts of the past. Choose Christ. You have the choice.