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Christian Marriage & Family Monthly Topic
Each month a specific topic is chosen regarding
Christian Marriage & Family.
This Month's Topic:
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.
For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?
And what communion has light with darkness?
II Corinthians 6:14
Perhaps the most important instruction in the Bible for finding a lifelong mate, and one we must have in marriage to build the foundation of the home with Christ, is to be equally yoked! So why is this "so" important! One study Bible puts it this way: Think of an ox and a donkey pulling a cart. Each one has different strength....these two cannot pull the load evenly, one might even want to go different directions. As Christians who are unequally yoked, one may pull the other into sin. A complete bond in marriage is based on the foundation that each partner is "equal" in their belief and vision for their life in Jesus Christ.
The ultimate division of people before God
is those who are in Christ,
and those who are not!
Therefore, believers must not be in voluntary relationships or intimate associations with unbelievers, for such relationships can corrupt the believers relationship with Christ. These relationships include, marriage, dating, close personal friendships, business partnerships, etc.etc. However, this does not mean we should not love the unbeliever. On the contrary, the ultimate test of a true believer is ones' love for the lost! Your "living example" of a Christlike life is the most important witness you could ever make!
This idea that we should run around spouting off scripture,
criticizing those who are not living a "Godly" lifestyle
are far from the truth of a Christlike life!
Humility and unselfishness are two characteristics
that define a true Christian.
You cannot truly exhibit a Christian life without them!
When dating, understanding "do not be unequally yoked" will keep you from much heartache. That is however, if you also understand the difference between people and true Christians. There are many "people" out there in the world who would claim to be Christian. The question you must ask yourself is whether or not their life is a living example of their belief. This can narrow down the possibilities greatly, and you will find yourself in a situation where "dating" will not be on a regular basis. Keep you eyes above! Develop your relationship with Christ!
In the long run, you will be equiped to seek a true Christian mate because you will be able recognize him/her, and you will be developing the skill to maintain a Christian relationship/marriage!
When seeking a lifetime mate, it all begins here. We should not want to be unequally yoked because separating ourselves from unbelievers is fundamental to God's relationship with His people! If we separate ourselves properly, (by not entering into these relationships from the start) God Himself rewards us by drawing near with His protection, blessings and fatherly care. There is no better advice for Christian dating!
Now, there are those who may have thought they were marrying into a Christian marriage and/or have a marriage where a partner has fallen away or who desires not to live a Christian life with his/her mate! This now brings the marriage into an unequally yoked situation! So the question is: What do I do now?
And a woman who has a husband who does not believe,
if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him.
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife,
and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband;
otherwise your children will be unclean,
but now they are holy.
I Corinthians 7:13-14
First you must recognize that this is God's work. You must pray for your mate and ask God to touch this person's life, hopefully through you. The best way to touch your mate's life will be by your example! Nagging, criticizing, putting down, yelling, leaving, all accomplish nothing! Think about the person or person's in your life who played an important role in your coming to Christ and finding Him as your Lord and Savior. What was their example, what was it about them that attracted you to seek the Christian life? It's your turn now to help someone find their way....be a good example!
No doubt, unequally yoked marriage can be one of the hardest trials to endure. But in marriage we marry for life, the good times and the bad times. Always remember that God is a rewarder of those who dilligently seek Him.....each of us have an obligation to be completely faithful to Him and to His Word regardless of what is going on around us or in our families! As you build and strengthen your faith this will come naturally because you will have found a love far greater that you could ever imagine on this earth! This is a love you will not want to turn your back on! Just because a marriage may not equally yoked at the moment, does not mean this has to be forever! God is miracle worker. We need to focus on ourselves rather than the other person, stay out of the way, and let God do His work!
There is perhaps no greater joy
than the hearts of two people
where a marriage has been restored
into an equally yoked position!
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