2008-04-02 - Yokes

When you have some free time, stand on a chair and ask a smaller friend to pull you down while you try to pull them up. Sure, you'll look like a goofball but you'll prove that Paul displayed a great deal of Wisdom when writing to the church at Corinth. It is too easy to be pulled down by the world so avoid grabbing hold of them.

2 Corinthians 6:14 - Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

This verse rings true in so many things. Most often, it is used to teach that Christian men and women should not marry non-believers but the principle goes way beyond that. As stated in the Abbott New Testament Commentary, "[It refers to being] joined with them in any of the pursuits or associations of life. This prohibition is often, though without reason, supposed to refer specially to marriage. It seems, however, to be more general in its meaning, referring to connections of every kind."

Over the years, how many Christian men have been drug down by their non-Christian friends? How many times has an honest businessman had his name smeared by the actions of a dishonest partner? This verse was designed to cover all of those as well. We are in this world but not of it. We are children of God and part of his kingdom not the kingdom of Satan under whose rule the world currently falls.

Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: ¹⁷ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

In dating, these verses together say you are a child of God - the king. You are a prince or princess; do not date anyone who is not also royalty. In friendship, these verses say you are God's child - do not misrepresent your dad by running around with the wrong crowd. In business these verses and many others mean, you are an ambassador in this world doing your Father's business; do not do anything to risk bringing shame to his name.

That is not meant to be some arrogant thing. The only difference between the saved and lost is that we recognized our lost-ness and need for salvation. Was it not for God's grace being extended to us we would be in the same boat as the worst sinners in the world be it the town drunk, the pedophile, or Hitler. There but for the grace of God go I. Paul declared himself to be the chief among sinners (1 Timothy 1:15)

We should not be stuck-up for sure. Just the opposite should be true. Looking at Jesus we can see that he was accused of hanging out with the sinners too much? Jesus kept a close circle of believers. He yoked himself with those twelve not with the masses whom he served.

Likewise, we are to yoke ourselves in all things to fellow believers and encourage one another top pursue God's interests in all we do. Grab hold of Godly men and women. Surround yourself with good influences.

Proverbs 13:20 - He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

IHFHBOH
Adam

adam@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org

All scripture references from KJV unless otherwise noted