Be Yoked to Jesus
There is a funny looking command in the Bible. “Do not plow with an ox and a donkey together.” (Duet.22:10) Why not? Because the yoke will be out of balance and for twice the work you get half the benefit.
So the warning only looks funny. It is in fact critical. And it extends to us. " Be not unequally yoked..." (II Cor. 6) We are told to avoid being harnessed to certain relationships.
Jesus was a friend of sinners. He spent time with those who were far from God. Indeed He came to seek and to save those that were lost.
But being available and forming allegiance are two different things. The life dedicated to serving God will be compromised and distracted if yoked in unequal friendships. When one follows Christ and the other one does not one must soon yield to the other.
When business partnerships are forged between those who know Christ and those who do not conflict is inevitable. Time, tithe and truthfulness are often sacrificed at the altar of profit.
“Can two walk together except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3) An unequal partnership can be detrimental to a desire to please God.
Then there is marriage. A unique bond that makes two people one. A friendship or partnership can be dissolved but a broken marriage has no easy out. Someone who has come to understand the great love Christ has for them must not promise himself to one who has no experience of that Divine love.
“Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers..." Marriage should be a bond tied by three cords. Husband, Wife and Christ Jesus. If one of those cords are missing the bond is weaker by far.
There is one yoke we are invited to put on that makes perfect sense. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart and you shall find rest to your souls.” (Matt. 11:29)
