Unequally yoked

The apostle Paul wrote,

Don’t become partners with those who do not believe. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness?

Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?

What agreement does Christ have with Belial?

Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? (2 Corinthians 6:14-15)

While most times, we associate this passage with dating and marriage, this is true about any relationship where an unbeliever has too much influence in our lives.

We see this in the life of Jehoshaphat. He allowed Ahab far too much influence in his life, and it nearly cost him his life.

And while God showed grace to Jehoshaphat by sparing his life, nevertheless, God severely chastised him for his decision.

We, of course, cannot simply cut off all relationships with the people of this world.

Nevertheless, we need to be wise about who we build relationships with.

The biggest question is, are they influencing us, or are we influencing them?

If they are influencing us and causing us to make bad decisions as Ahab did with Jehoshaphat, we are unequally yoked, and we need to “unyoke” ourselves from them.

So let us heed the words of Paul.

Therefore, come out from among them
and be separate, says the Lord;
do not touch any unclean thing,
and I will welcome you.

And I will be a Father to you,
and you will be sons and daughters to me,
says the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:17-18)