Paul exhorted. . .
“(14) Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? (15) What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? (16) What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16a ESV)
What Paul addressed is much broader than just the marriage relationship. In all close associations we need to remain mindful of potentially being influenced away from God. As Paul noted — being so opposed to each other — some things just do not matchup or mix. As we consider associations in this world, we would have to leave it to be completely away from those engaging in ungodly living (i.e. 1 Corinthians 5:9-10), and though we are in the world but not of it (i.e. John 17:14-15), being completely isolated from it would not allow us to be the influence of salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16) we have been called to be. Still, we must exercise wisdom regarding the relationships into which we are closely drawn. Yes, that is a serious consideration to be given to marriage, but with other close ties as well as we consider the power of godly relationships serving to enhance our own godliness as we nurture the godliness of others through a shared kindred spirit.
Because of how powerfully the heart gets drawn into relationships, we must take this caution to heart. Though we might consider ourselves too smart to allow being drawn away to happen, let us consider a prime example; King Solomon. Despite Solomon’s wisdom above all (1 Kings 4:29-34), we see how in his later years wrong relationships negatively impacted his relationship with God. He married foreign wives from nations among whom God had said not to enter into marriage. (1 Kings 11:1-2) As he clung in love to those, his heart was turned from being wholly true to God to going after the gods of his wives. (1 Kings 11:4-8) This caused God to be angry with Solomon because his heart had been turned by his wives away from Him. (1 Kings 11:9) In spite of the great wisdom that was given to him, Solomon allowed the closeness of those relationships to draw his heart away.
Though we are to be a godly influence to others around us in this world, let us understand the power in relationships. May our heart remain wholly toward God and His Sovereign Will so that no other relationship undermines our relationship with Him!
Have a great day SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING THE TIE THAT BINDS!
Carl
