Unequally Yoked

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6 v 14, 17:
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteouness? And what communion hath light with darkness? Therefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."
Amos 3 v 3: "Can two walk together, except they be agreed."
 
In everything we do as Christians for God, our primary aim is never to offend Him and slide back into a position where we become unacceptable to Him. The words "unequally yoked" are used to describe perhaps a carriage being pulled by a racehorse yoked to a donkey. A very unpleasant ride ahead.

If we are led to stand surety for someone's debts or purchases, where if they default it becomes our responsibility to make the repayments, it is an unequal yoke and forbidden to believers. 
Proverbs 22 v 26-27: " Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?"

Do not go into marriage if your partner is an unbeliever. Either share the gospel with your partner until there is a conversion or realise that the final outcome could be a serious error. Their are spiritual pitfalls ahead no matter how in love you may be now. Don't go into marriage thinking I will convert my partner after the wedding. It's best not to tempt God.  

Even being unequally yoked in business partnerships will bring you into areas of compromise of your ethics and principles.  Remember that friendship with the world is enmity against God.  There will be an underlying spiritual battle going on no matter how good your friendship may be.  It will eventually end in division and probable animosity.

In churches today we need to discern whether our church is involved in doctrines of men rather than doctrines of God. Many people don't know the Bible well enough to know when they are being subjected to false teachings. Jesus said that before He returned there would be many false Christs and we must not be deceived. So pray and ask Jesus to lead you to a church which is acceptable to Him. 

The Roman Catholic Church is a mixture of strange fire with worship of Mary and a hierarchy of the old Babylonian religion. The names Pontiff and Pope are the names of the high priest in the old occult Babylonian worship. The garments, nuns (vestal virgins), and celibacy of priests relate to Babylon not Rome. The Bible says in Revelations that Babylon will fall. God is speaking of Rome and its religion. It makes this religion an unequal yoke for Christians.

The Lord says we must come out of any unequal yoke which could include worldly friends; businesses; romantic involvement, financial partnerhips or joint ventures. Always pray for the Lord to guide you in His truth and knowledge.

We have a responsibility to walk on the strait and narrow way.  It means we have to conform to God's standards as written in the Bible.  When we adhere to the precepts of God, and refuse to accept this world's shoddy substitute, the blessing of the Almighty will be evident.  So we must be careful in choosing those who will be in any kind of partnership with us, so as not to offend our Lord.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, this world is a minefield for Christians - please help us to check everything with You before making harmful liaisons that cause us to be unequally yoked to unbelievers.  You are not the author of confusion so teach us Your wisdom. In Jesus' name. Amen.