Yoked
What do we allow to influence our lives, our choices? Do we allow godly or ungodly ideas to shape our thinking? These are two very important questions we should ask ourselves. Let’s look at II Corinthians 6:14-18:
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 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. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Paul tells the Corinthians to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. The term “yoke” is a farming term. Typically, two oxen were yoked together which meant there was a wooden harness connecting them at the neck. This allowed them to move in the same direction and each carried the weight of plowing.
In Deuteronomy 22:10, the Israelites were instructed not to plow with an ox and donkey together. Why did God give this commandment? When we look at the ox and donkey, they are different in makeup, size and temperament. The distribution of weight would be more for the ox than the donkey. It could cause harm to either animal. The donkey might start bucking, trying to get loose as it can’t keep up with the strength of the ox.
Paul uses a similar analogy to the Corinthians. If we yoke ourselves to unbelievers, it may drag some down, cause them to lose out on their walk with God. In the Church, we’ve heard this scripture when referencing dating and marriage. However, when we limit it to just dating and marriage, we limit the expanse of the scripture. It covers more than just dating and marriage, but rather friendships, associations, places we frequent and even further, our entertainment.
How many Christians are yoking up their entertainment with the ungodly influences of Hollywood? We are allowing unbelievers to influence our thoughts, actions, and direction by being yoked up to their books, movies and tv shows. Where do we frequent? Do we go to places which are decorated in an ungodly manner?
There was a time you would not find a true Christian at a sporting event where unbelievers cheer on their idols. However, we now find many Christians have yoked up their lives to these events which are organized by unbelievers and broadcast pictures of themselves on social media in the midst of idolatry.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
During Jesus’ day the Israelites were “yoked” to the law and the Pharisees did not make it any easier for the people. Jesus tells them to take on his “yoke” and learn of him. Why would we desire to live for God and yoke up to something (unbelievers) which will make it difficult? Let’s yoke to godly friends, partners, associations and entertainment.
