Complimentary Story
In the book of 2 Corithians, Chapter 6, the Bible tells us not to be “unequally yoked with non-believers.” What are they talking about in that passage?In this Scripture passage, Paul gives us an example of being yoked together with another as a team or partner. In Jesus’ day and probably even today, many farmers had teams of oxen (neutered cattle) yoked together pulling carts, plowing fields and moving heavy loads of all sorts.
The oxen were matched according to size and strength and ability... If one ox were weaker, the cart would be pulled in circles. If the two oxen didn’t work as a team, they might try going in different directions and end up at a standstill.
Oxen, horses, mules, and donkeys were the type of animals that were yoked in teams. Could you imagine how they would pull if you had an ox on one side and a horse on the other yoked together pulling a load?
Animals that were yoked together, had a piece of wood connecting the two animals so that their combined abilities could complete a particular task. Farmers know it is not wise to team up two unequal animals.
Paul uses the example of animals unequally yoked or put together to make a point concerning the believer’s choice of a spouse. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18,King James Version (KJV) reads as follows, “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? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
Being yoked unequally also applies to marriage. Marriage is a yoking together of a man and a woman in marriage. Together they must carry the “load” of running a home, raising a family and meeting one another’s needs, both spiritually and physically.
What would happen if a non-drinker chose to be “yoked” or married to a drunkard? Then the abstainer would be constantly at odds with their alcohol-consuming partner. Just as it is not a good idea for a believer to marry a non-believer. The believer’s fatih would be a point of conflict with the other spouse, and the marriage would be pulled in different directions.
By the same token, would it be a good idea for an honest man to go into business with a crooked one? Of course not, it would be an unwise decision. By joining with a dishonest person, it may well destroy the good name of the other, because they do not share the same values or business ethics.
Should a Christian be yoked with a non-Christian? It’s a no-brainer. Read the word of God, then do the math yourself.
