It's a Yoke, Not a Joke

It’s a Yoke, Not a Joke

While many of us may not live in an agriculturally-familiar environment, the command that God gave in 2 Corinthians 6:14 is about as straightforward as they come — “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.”  In reality, that is a very simple sentence structure, as well as a very clear-cut message.  It resembles the basic teachings of other passages, like Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15, James 4:4, etc.

The Lord had given instructions to the Jews, “You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together” (Deut. 22:10).  Those who lived in that environment could readily appreciate the meaning and purpose of this command, which was an obvious example of being “unequally yoked.”  Now, in the New Testament, Christians are commanded not to put themselves in a yoke (in a close relationship or tight bond) with someone who does not share the same conviction to Christ.  It would be like putting a donkey in a yoke with an ox.

In order to illustrate how ludicrous and how devastating such a yoke would be, Paul proceeded to ask five rhetorical questions.  The answers were so obvious that they didn’t even require further comment or even a pause to consider.

· First, take righteousness and lawlessness.  Put them in a yoke together.  What kind of “partnership” do these two share?  Not a single thing!  They won’t even fit in that yoke together!

· Second, take light and darkness.  Put them in a yoke together.  What kind of “fellowship” do these two share?  Not a single thing!  They won’t even fit in that yoke together!

· Third, take Christ and Belial (worthlessness/Satan).  Put them in a yoke together.  What kind of “harmony” do these two share?  Not a single thing!  They won’t even fit in that yoke together!

· Fourth, take a believer and an unbeliever.  Put them in a yoke together.  What do these two “share” in “common” that really matters?  Not a single thing!  They won’t even fit in that yoke together!

· Finally, take a temple of God and idols.  Put them in a yoke together.  What kind of “agreement” do these two share?  Not a single thing!  They won’t even fit in that yoke together!

Now, take this and apply it.  When it comes to closely-knit relationships with others in this life (including, but limited to, marriage), how could we possibly disregard this command of God and unequally yoke ourselves (even for the rest of our lives) with someone who will not help us serve God and will not help us get to heaven (and might even pull strongly in the other direction)?  May God help us to make good decisions!

Originally written David Sproule, June 7, 2013.