Having Right Relationships
By Susan Klein
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial [the Devil]? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?”
2 Corinthians 6:14-15
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial [the Devil]? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?”
2 Corinthians 6:14-15
In Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth, he addresses the fellow believers with the above words. Sharing from his own life examples, he exhorts them to come out from among the unclean, or unbelievers, and be separate from them. One might ask, “Are we not called to be salt and light to the unbelievers of this world?”
Paul’s message here is not contrary to God’s word, rather it is one of warning. He recognizes that the Corinthian believers are still struggling with old sinful ways, and that they are being influenced by those outside of the faith. He is warning them that if their prominent associations are with pagans, or non-Christ-followers, then they will remain grounded in their wrongful ways. Paul shares that fellowshipping with other believers helps him to stay on the right track and holds him accountable. They will not be able to be a light to others if they are still hanging out in the darkness!
Notice how Paul uses the word, “yoked.” He is addressing people who are familiar with farming. He knows they can relate to having their oxen yoked together for plowing. It is critical to have the same kind of animals joined together in order for them to move in alignment and be productive. You wouldn’t pair an ox with a donkey, or a stallion with a quarter-horse! Two animals which are similar in nature will reap the greatest benefits.
Likewise, we must remember to have likeminded people with whom we are fellowshipping on a regular basis. Scripture tells us that just as iron sharpens iron, we are made stronger in our faith and our walk when we are surrounded by other strong believers. As we are strengthened, we are then capable of helping our fellow believers when they are down, and of being a salt and light to those of our neighbors who don’t know the Lord. On the other hand, if we are only fellowshipping with unbelievers, or those walking in the darkness, we will have a difficult time maintaining our footing on the solid ground of God’s Word.
Let’s make sure we have a proper balance in our relationships, having the influence of strong Christ-followers to steer us as we go.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you have a strong support system of believers that you fellowship with on a regular basis? If not, consider joining a women’s Bible Study or a small group that meets regularly.
FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 5:6-8
Susan is We Women's Tuesday Morning Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She and her husband Mark lead a couples' small group in their home; she is also involved in inner city outreach.
Paul’s message here is not contrary to God’s word, rather it is one of warning. He recognizes that the Corinthian believers are still struggling with old sinful ways, and that they are being influenced by those outside of the faith. He is warning them that if their prominent associations are with pagans, or non-Christ-followers, then they will remain grounded in their wrongful ways. Paul shares that fellowshipping with other believers helps him to stay on the right track and holds him accountable. They will not be able to be a light to others if they are still hanging out in the darkness!
Notice how Paul uses the word, “yoked.” He is addressing people who are familiar with farming. He knows they can relate to having their oxen yoked together for plowing. It is critical to have the same kind of animals joined together in order for them to move in alignment and be productive. You wouldn’t pair an ox with a donkey, or a stallion with a quarter-horse! Two animals which are similar in nature will reap the greatest benefits.
Likewise, we must remember to have likeminded people with whom we are fellowshipping on a regular basis. Scripture tells us that just as iron sharpens iron, we are made stronger in our faith and our walk when we are surrounded by other strong believers. As we are strengthened, we are then capable of helping our fellow believers when they are down, and of being a salt and light to those of our neighbors who don’t know the Lord. On the other hand, if we are only fellowshipping with unbelievers, or those walking in the darkness, we will have a difficult time maintaining our footing on the solid ground of God’s Word.
Let’s make sure we have a proper balance in our relationships, having the influence of strong Christ-followers to steer us as we go.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you have a strong support system of believers that you fellowship with on a regular basis? If not, consider joining a women’s Bible Study or a small group that meets regularly.
FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 5:6-8
Susan is We Women's Tuesday Morning Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She and her husband Mark lead a couples' small group in their home; she is also involved in inner city outreach.
