Michael Price

What does Paul mean when he says "be not unequally yoked" in 2 Corthians 6:14? It is my purpose to show that we as Christians are to influence the world and not allow the world to influence us. When we think about being yoked together we sometimes think of a farmer and a team of oxen or mules bound together with a yoke, plowing a field. Today we most often think about it in the realm of marriage. In this passage Paul is talking about relationships in general. if we look at it from the marriage perspective we can get a clearer view. 2 Cor 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? NKJV Marriage is a sacred relationship which was initiated by GOD for man. (Genesis 2:18). Any two eligible people, male and female, may enter into this divine relationship with the assurance that the union is recognized by God. This has been since the beginning of time. Every knowledgeable Bible student is aware that the general tone of Scripture has been to discourage believers from entering into marriage bonds with those who do not share the true faith. The purpose behind such divine instruction clearly had a spiritual point. It is clear that a marriage between a Christian and a non-Christian is a union that is not to be severed strictly on that basis. If one finds himself in a relationship of that nature, he or she should work to convert that unbelieving companion to the Lord. (1 Corinthians 7:12.) In the sermon on the mount, Jesus admonished his disciples to put the kingdom of Christ first in their lives. The adverb suggests that the interests of the Lord should be above all else. Can anyone honestly contend that a child of God who unites himself with a unbeliever in the most intimate of all human relationships is granting the reign of Christ the most exalted place in his or her life? Numerous Christians can testify that their spiritual lives have been made more difficult since yoking themselves with those who do not

share a commitment to God. Not to mention the raising of children in an environment where there are different spiritual influences. Some Christians have converted their unbelieving mates. However,that number hardly stacks up against the many more instances of disciples who have weakened under such a strain, ultimately abandoning their faith. In 1 Corinthians 7:39, Paul says that the Christian widow should marry in the Lord. The meaning of the phrase, then, is supposed to be that she is to marry in harmony with the Lords will, in such a way as to not surrender her faith. Is it the Lords will that his people form intimate unions with those who have little, if any, sympathy to serving Him? Is the Savior pleased when his follower lowers his spiritual interests to those that primarily are physical and emotional? Every ordinance given to man by GOD was intended for his salvation. This is certainly true with reference to the home. If such was the case regarding marriage as an institution, is the principle any less valid for the spiritual welfare of the individual or single Christian? In conclusion we should be able to see how the Devil gets those who are faithful to becme unfaithful. He does this by getting to us through relationships. It is a shame when so many of the Lord's children choose to persue relationships with people who do not have any desire to have a relationship with GOD. The odds are against them that that unbeliever will convert. If they do, it's not always sincere and most of the time the one who is a christian is usually weak and they are the ones who turn their back on their faith. You see it through their unfaithfulness, their conversations on Facebook, the people they spend most of their time with, their dress and behavior,and social activities they are involved in. 2 Cor 6:14-18 14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Satan? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And

walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people." 17 Therefore, "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." 18 'I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters. NKJV

Sources: Wayne Jackson, The Christian Courier; article

Should a Christian Marry Outside the Faith?

Scripture References; Gen 2: 18, 1 Corth 7: 12, 39, 2 Corth 6: 14-18