#116. Do Not Be Unequally Yoked

Some things in the world about us just don't mix. An example: oil and water. Their unique and individual molecular structures and properties are such that they simply do not meld naturally into one.

Yes, men can manipulate the various components of matter so as to impose a forced fusion but such is unnatural and unstable. In time, nature will inevitably correct itself. Kitten and the dog may look precious together but they were never intended to be mates. Indeed, nature will not allow such breeding. They just don't “mix”. Men were never intended to mate with other men, nor women with women. Man's “suitable companion”, by divine design, is woman. Some people seek to "fool Mother Nature" but their efforts are as contrary to God's will as a dog mating with a cat.

Some things were just never intended to be! This is also true for other vital relationships in life. The apostle Paul wrote “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).

Obviously, religiously mixed marriages are not the ideal situation. In fact, there are serious problems involved with such unions and many are destined to fail. Nevertheless, they do exist, and Christians who find themselves in such circumstances should do their best to bring a positive influence to these relationships.

Believers should not marry unbelievers. I feel very strongly that such unions will present some difficult challenges to both spouses; it is simply asking for trouble! The ideal of marriage - husband and wife journey together towards their heavenly home. That ideal is not realised when husbands and wives are travelling separate paths spiritually. They are “unequally yoked”, they are pulling in different directions. The tragedy is that many believers are pulled down the path to destruction by the unbelievers. That is the very real danger of being “unequally yoked” with unbelievers. This is especially true in the marital relationship.

True Christian partnership is one which exists between genuine yokefellows and that can apply only to those who already are one in Christ Jesus.