Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 KJV
Marriage.
It is a great and beautiful truth known to creation.
Everyone knows it to be one of the most blessed things to happen in someone’s life.
A union that a man is joined to his wife and the two become as one flesh (Mark 10:6-8 KJV).
Being able to tell everyone they have found their “soul mate.”
But before any marriage ceremony occurs Pastors are encouraged to meet with the couple.
Cautioning their beloved member what it says in the Bible regarding marriage.
Telling them that the Word states that they are “not [to be] unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14 KJV)
They need to make sure first where their faith really lies.
And also, where their soon to be spouse’s faith really lies.
Avoiding any problems that may arise from someone’s unbelief.
The Bible has also given us examples of what it means to be “unequally yoked together” in Deuteronomy 22:9-11.
It uses the example that we are “not [to] sow thy vineyard with divers seeds”.
We are not to “plow with an ox and an ass together.”
And how we should “not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together.”
They are all total opposites.
Not meant to go together.
A warning that all our differing beliefs and backgrounds can change what is supposed to be a most wonderful dream into the worst type of nightmare.
Something no one desires to have happened in their life.
We all desire for our relationships to be ones of joy.
To live a life that is happy and fulfilling with the one we love.
The one we pledged to be with for a lifetime.
A blessed Holy matrimony is just one of the plans the Father has for our lives.
There are other personal relationships we need to be concerned about also.
Friendships is one of them.
No matter where we live, we are going to meet a host of different people.
The Father desires us to maintain friendships.
If He did not, He would not encourage us to fellowship one with another (1 Corinthians 1:9).
But He has also told us in 1 Corinthians 15:33. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
Making sure we do not let our relationships hinder our walk with the Lord.
When we do, we can find ourselves forgetting about what we know to be right.
That no matter how much we want the friendship to work, we must realize that because of our differing faiths and beliefs it may not be possible to be friends.
In both a marriage and a friendship, there will be obstacles we face.
We sometimes still take the wrong path.
The one against which we were advised.
That is where we all need to remember to pray.
To seek the Lord for the guidance we need.
At all-times staying rooted in the Word.
Hoping that all will be well in the end.
It is by God’s grace and mercy we can keep our relationships whole.
He desires the best for us.
That is why we are not to let flesh govern our decisions.
We must stay steadfast in the Word.
Taking the time to understand the pros and cons of what we are about to do.
Accepting the Divine counsel given.
It is the greatest anyone could ask for.
Honest and truthful it is.
We can never go wrong when we do.
The happier we all will be when we trust and depend on the Lord to lead and guide.
Knowing that when all is said and done here on earth, a reward is waiting in Heaven.
Trust His guidance and receive your blessings.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Dear Father, we know that the union of two is to join them as one in Your name. Under Your guidance. A guidance that will make their marriage complete. Being happy and blessed for years to come. We know You even have blessing to bestow on our friendships with others. May they be ones that are deep and close. Not ones that try to lead us astray. Let them be friendships that share the same values regarding our love for You and the Word. Thank You for the wisdom we gain from all that You teach us. It does make living our lives easier.
In Jesus’ Name We Pray, Amen