Be Not Unequally Yoked

“Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” 2 Corinthians 6:13-15, KJV

This passage is very familiar to me as I’ve heard it quoted often over the years of my life. Although I’d heard it so many times, the in depth meaning is worthy of examination. It is clear from these verses that Christians should not be in any relationship where the other party does not profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, yet it is also important to understand the danger of darkness and what exactly you’re dealing with when you do entertain such relationships.

“…for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?” Yoke means couple: two items of the same kind. It also means becoming joined or linked together. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3, KJV. “…what communion hath light with darkness? If one is truly a Christian, the heart will desire to be with light, not darkness. So this would prompt one to examine himself if they find themselves in a situation like this. Consider those who have gotten married before receiving salvation. And then one part of the couple decides to accept Christ as Lord and Savior and the other still doesn’t. This would make for a tension-ridden home. It could cause strife and chaos and a difficult living situation. But God is still able. I encourage you to pray for your spouse that they accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. If a person is really serious about the salvation of their loved ones, continue to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). God changed your heart, He can change theirs too.

This is not to say that a person ought to stay in a situation where there is abuse and a clear sign that this person is not going to change. God allows us to operate in the free will to choose Him. People send themselves to hell because of the decision they’ve made in not following Christ. Don’t allow them to take you with them.

“And what concord hath Christ with Belial?” What peace, unity, harmony, friendship, or agreement does Christ have with Belial? Belial is noted to be one of the fallen angels (a demon), being of the spirit of the devil. In some accounts, it is noted as one of the seven princes of hell. We can deceive ourselves by stating that certain people are nice and warm, but do we not know that Satan is the father of lies? He is the poster child for deception. This is not about someone agreeing to sit on a church pew or perform the duty of a Christian, this does not save you. What saves a person is accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and having Him lead our lives.

Do not be deceived by vain words. Let us remember what Christ said…we’ll know them by their fruits.