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By Neal Griffin
Yokes have to do with toil. They are the appliances that are locked around oxen's necks for pulling carts, plows, and etc. To be unequally yoked could mean to be harnessed with a smaller, weaker partner, or it could refer to being positioned in the wrong place causing one to bear most of the burden. In either case, this is the language of 2'nd Corinthians 6:l4: "Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers". Paul advised, in another passage, that Christians cannot avoid sinners "of this world", so we are called on to resolve two, seemingly, different passages. From the wording, it is obvious that some contact with unbelievers is permissible and necessary as sojourners on this planet. The key, I believe, to the duration of these secular associations is in the word, "yoke". It carries the idea of being "locked in", in the sense that "evil companions corrupt good morals". When one is "locked in" with an unbelieving business partner, the burden of honest dealing is on his shoulders. Unbelievers are not under the same obligations as children of light. Their attitudes toward their fellowmen are, quite often, different. Therefore the believer must pull an uneven load in the great business of maintaining integrity. We do not affirm that all unbelievers are dishonest. The contextual setting allows that one could possibly be "equally" yoked with an unbeliever. But, when one finds himself locked in with an associate who has no intention of being honest, how long should he continue in this unfair predicament? Paul does not answer the question exactly. He leaves it to each one of us. But, the admonition is clear. Do not continue to be "unequally" yoked!
Business relationships are not the only areas where one can be unequally yoked with unbelievers. Social involvements can also present a problem. Partnering with an unscrupulous Little League coach, or playing in a golf foursome with rude partners can be just as irksome. The question is the same: How long should a believer allow this to go on before he or she decides to "jump traces" and get out before his or her own integrity is challenged or called in question? "For what partnership does righteousness have with lawlessness?" 2'nd Corinthians 6:14.
Please consider these thoughts. I believe them to be true to the Word.
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