UNITY OF FAITH REQUIRED FOR UNITY OF FELLOWSHIP
Paul warned against being “yoked together” with unbelievers. A yoke is an implement designed to put across the necks of two or more oxen or horses for pulling a plow or cart or some other contrivance. The yoke fastens the team together to maximize their synergy. Paul used this “yoke” metaphor to warn believers against entering partnerships with unbelievers, because they would “pull” in different directions.
Paul’s warning does not mean separatism. He is not advising that we avoid unbelievers altogether. Sharing the gospel requires reaching out and engaging with lost people. What he is warning against is being partners with them. This should inform our plans for marriage, for church membership and other forms of partnership. Believers should not date or marry unbelievers. Churches should require unity of belief before membership. Even business partnerships should be carefully considered.
Successful partnerships have unity of vision and belief. When believers partner with unbelievers, this disunity of belief eventually leads to discord. Save yourself the pain. Heed God’s Word.
PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, we often think that we can handle fire without getting burned. Forgive us for disobeying Your Word. Help us today to live as light among unbelievers, living in the world but not of the world. Protect us from unequal partnerships. Give us wisdom to live with gospel grace before all. In Jesus’ name, amen.