A yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and then attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull. It will be a difficult task to yoke two different animals. For example, a donkey and a horse cannot be yoked together because they will make the work of pulling the cart that they are attached to difficult. Paul used this example to explain a profound Biblical truth; the message of separation. As believers, though we live and interact with unbelievers, we do not have to be yoked together with them. For example, a believer should not by no means marry an unbeliever. If both were unbelievers and one came to faith, it is a different scenario as compared to a born again Christian marrying an unbeliever. That is unequally yoked! 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) Paul used the following opposite words to explain this. 1. Righteousness and wickedness- According to Paul, there is no commonality between righteousness (believers) and wickedness (sinful life). 2. Light and darkness- Can there be a fellowship with light (children of God) and darkness (sin/unbelieving hearts)? The truth is, neither righteousness nor wickedness can dwell in the same abode. Light and darkness do not coexist. It is either you are one or the other. Therefore, if you identify yourself with light, live a life of light. We have been given the world as a field of souls to evangelise but we should make sure not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. Knowledge of this truth affects our attitudes towards unbelievers. We should first desire their salvation. Every soul is important to God and we should do our best to reach all men with the message of the gospel. However, it is very important to secure the salvation of unbelievers first before we get yoked. If two different animals are pulling the same cart, the unusual balance can cause the cart to topple and even fall. We should be mindful of the people we call our close friends. What advice would you get from them in times of trouble? Would you be led to Christ or to crises? The devil is canvassing for more people into his kingdom. Do not be deceived into an unusual balance. Do not be yoked with them! Come out from among them and be separated! (2 Cor. 6:17).
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