Beware the Yoke

Bill Brinkworth
One of the principles that will distinguish a strong Christian from a weak one,
when practiced, is taught in II Corinthians 6. Not adhering to God’s teaching on this doctrine has ruined many Christian lives and testimonies. It is the number one robber of joy for a child of God. The doctrine Paul teaches in this chapter is the separation of a Christian from those who are not saved (II Cor. 6:14-17).
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” II Corinthian 6:14

The double-negatived “not unequally yoked” can be somewhat confusing to our modern vernacular, but it simply means “do not be yoked together with unbelievers.” The yoke spoken of here is referring to the wooden implement that bound two farm animals together. It was common that two oxen or mules would be joined together with this device so that they could plow a field together. We are not to be going in the same direction as the world is going and closely joined with them. Many times, we should not even be doing the same things they are doing.

We should not be yoked to unbelievers in marriage, business relationships, friendships, or other close relationships. When we are yoked together closely in such a relationship, we end up going the wrong direction and ending up not doing what God desires of us. Also, our appearance around or participation with those doing wrong weakens our testimony of living God’s way.

We are in the world, and we naturally may be in close contact with unsaved. That happens and is a good opportunity to be a witness and an example to them, but getting into the position that we are going in their direction and committing their sin is what God is warning us about.

A child of God is on the winning side. Why in the world would he want to go in the same direction as the losing side? We have a Leader that will take us in the right, successful direction. 

We should be guiding others in the right direction, not following their wrong pathways through life.  We are to be yoked up with God’s guidance, not following the unsaved.


“And what concord [agreement, union in opinions, sentiments, views or interests] hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” 
II Corinthians 6:15-16 



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