2 Corinthians 6 - 1.2.24

Scripture:  ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭6:14‬ - Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

Observation: Paul is warning the Corinthian church to not be “yoked together” with unbelievers. The word “yoke” would be easily understood by the early church but maybe not for some today. A yoke is basically a wooden bar that connects two animals for the purpose of working together: Adobe Photos of a Yoke The yoke makes it possible for both animals to be guided down the same path. When yoked together, these animals are in close proximity and have to work together. There’s no way one animal could go right and the other to the left. They are forced to do the same thing!

Paul then brings the command full circle with the common sense correlation in “what do righteousness and wickedness have in common… or light have with darkness?” We would obviously respond to this with an emphatic “they have nothing in common!” They are complete opposites. The same is true between a Christian and unbeliever that are yoked together - they are complete opposites.

Paul is warning the church about being “yoked together” in an intimate or close relationship - just like the yoked oxen in the image.  Some think this scripture means you can’t associate with any unbelievers. If that were the case, how can we lead others to Christ if we don’t associate with unbelievers?

This Scripture is a reminder of a very personal and hard lesson I learned in my life. Long ago I was able to finally meet my maternal half sister who was adopted out at birth. During the short time we were together, she knew I was a believer and I knew she was walking in the world. When we had an opportunity to start a new internet business, I literally talked myself out of this scripture and entered into a business with her. I had all the signs to run the other way and heed the warning of this scripture but didn’t. What a terrible mistake!! Six months later I found out why this scripture is so important: my half sister stole my identity, ran up bills in my name that were sent to her house, and I was left with a huge loan for the equipment I bought for the business. Boy, did I learn a hard but valuable lesson.

Application: The image of the yoked oxen can be very helpful to gauge if a relationship with an unbeliever goes to the level of being unequally yoked. Ultimately we are called to be different, salt and light to the world (Matthew 5:13 - 15), and not conformed to this world but be transformed (Romans 12:2). The moment a relationship with an unbeliever transitions from being a witness or a light to the unbeliever and becomes “yoked’ together in a close and intimate type relationship, it’s time to run to God for wisdom and direction. His word commands us to “Do not” be unequally yoked and there’s a reason. The unequally yoked relationship can and will negatively affect your life in many ways physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Trust me - I know! 

 Prayer: Lord, I ask that you give me great wisdom when it comes to being around unbelievers. The mission is to spread the Gospel and shine your light to the world. Help me to avoid situations when a relationship becomes “yoked together” and transitions away from the mission to reach the lost for you. Thank you for your grace, mercy and forgiveness for the time I completely ignored this command. I’m so thankful for lessons learned and your love to guide me in the path of life.

- Mary Oberg