"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers." – Paul, 2 Corinthians 6:14 (MEV)
Christians are told not to join hands and be unequally yoked with unbelievers. While the whole faithful world understands that, there are times when certain partnerships among Christians also have unequal yokes. Do you believe that?
Unequally yoked
Although Paul was talking about marriage when he said these words, being "unequally yoked" can apply to a myriad of things. To help us understand it, we need to know what a yoke is.
A yoke is a piece of wood placed on the necks or shoulders of two persons or animals used to make them work on something together. Commonly, it is placed on two oxen for the purpose of pulling something such as a cart or a plow. The Merriam-Webster dictionary also says it is "a clamp or similar piece that embraces two parts to hold or unite them in position."
Based on these definitions, we understand that being yoked together means being united to each other for a common goal or purpose.
So, when Paul said we should not be unequally yoked, we are not to be united to someone who does not pursue the pursuits we have as a Christ-follower. We must not and should not join others when they pursue something that is not of God.
Signs you're unequally yoked
To help you know if you're being unequally yoked with an unbeliever or a Christian who is not intent on pursuing Christ and Christ-likeness, here are some signs you need to watch out for.
1) You don't believe in the same God
You can be a firm believer yet still be joined to an unbeliever. If you truly believe in God and yet you partner yourself with a person who does not believe in Christ and love Him, that's an automatic unequal yoke.
Paul says, "And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?" (2 Corinthians 6:15)
Think about that. If you've tried to share the Gospel and still the person doesn't want Christ, don't worry. Pray for them.
2) You're not going in the same direction: towards Christ-likeness and holiness, for example
Ok, so you say the people you partner with are Christians. Do they really pursue Christ? Do they obey the Word of God? Do they honor God with their lives, and not just with their tongues or religious affiliations? Paul says of these people,
"They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!" (2 Timothy 3:5 NLT)
You need to avoid being influenced by these people. Don't hate them, but don't let them sway you from your pursuit of Christ as well.
3) You do not agree on what to pursue
Ok, they're Christians who pursue the Lord, but still you can't agree on what you are doing. You desire to go out and preach the gospel, while they desire to stay inside the church and serve those who are already there. Although there's no sin in any of that, there's still an unequal yoke: you aren't called to do the same thing together.
Consider what Amos 3:3 tells us: "Do two people walk together, if they have not agreed?"
If you find it hard to work with a brother or sister simply because you aren't designed for the same task, then it's not sin to work with other people in the church.
