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

Last night we had fellowship with a young couple who were married in early March. They both have an earnest desire to follow Christ, build their home upon the Rock and live in the light. As a minister it's a tremendous blessing to see those in the next generation carrying on in obedience in life's greatest call. As we sat around our dining room table we shared the challenge of living out our faith in a dark world.

In the spiritual realm the Bible clearly instructs us to leave the life of darkness and to walk (live) in the light.  The apostle Paul calls believers, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers."  This verse is often used in the context of dating and marriage and certainly applies to this, but in this context Paul does not limit it to a physical relationship.  As we compare this verse to others in the Scripture he seems to be speaking of the friendships and partnerships we build in our lives. Paul is not speaking of mere contact with those not of the faith.  That's an essential part of our reaching the lost in this world.  Earlier in 1 Corinthians he acknowledges that inevitably we will have contact with people who live in darkness, otherwise "you would have to leave this world" (5:10).

Paul follows this command "do not be yoked" with a series of questions, each demanding the negative answer:
For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?
Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?
What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?

Today as we are surrounded by spiritual darkness let us again remember God's call.  We are to move out of the darkness and live in the light.  Let's do that today!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Note from Brooksyne:  While growing up I spent a week every summer with my grandparents in Arkansas during planting season.  Anytime I hear 2 Corinthians 6:14 quoted I think of the yoke my Grandpa would put on the two mules that pulled the plow.  The yoke prevented the mules from going two directions but united them as though they were one.  It is essentially the strength of two mules united for one singular purpose.  This analogy helps me to remember why Paul cautions the believers to be wise in their relationships because light and darkness cannot be as one - their purposes are complete contrasts.  To try to blend two contrasts and make them one would be complete chaos.