Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Judges 10-12
     New Testament Reading: 2 Corinthians 6

Do not be yoked together with those who do not believe. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14).

This is a familiar passage to most Christians, and it is often quoted as a response to a believer wanting to marry an unbeliever. While the principles of the passage apply to marriage, there is a broader application. These principles apply to any agreement between partners, in business, civic, or church. When two parties don’t share the same values and convictions, there will always be pressure to compromise.

But is this what Paul had in mind as he wrote these words? Paul has just appealed to the Corinthians for mutual openness in affection and speech. He said We have spoken openly to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide. We are not withholding our affection from you (v11-12a). The evidence of Paul’s genuine love for the Corinthians was that no matter how some of them had mistreated him, he still loved them and had room for them in his heart.

He then pleaded with them, but you are withholding yours from us. I speak as to my children; as a proper response, open your heart to us (v12b-13). Paul longed for the Corinthian believers to reciprocate his love for them. But their hearts were spiritually divided because they continued to listen to false apostles and dabble in the world of idolatry.

Do not be yoked together with those who do not believe. Paul clearly does not advocate dissociation from unbelievers (1 Co 5:9-10; 10:27) and Paul actually encouraged the Christian partner in a mixed marriage to maintain the relationship as long as possible (1 Co 7:12-16). But Scripture is clear that a person can only be devoted to either God or the world. Jesus said, No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money (Matt 6:24).

Do we love God or love our material possessions?
Do we trust God or trust our horoscope?
Do we fill our hearts with God’s Word or fill it with all the ungodly behavior in the News?
Do we worship God or worship politics?

Paul wrote, So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Col. 3:1-2). Our hearts are not to be yoked together with the world. Because then, like the Corinthian believers, we cannot truly open our hearts and show genuine love for one another.