The Truth About Unequal Yokes, Part 4
(2 Corinthians 6:14-17)
Conclusion
Imagine yourself again as one of two oxen in the yoke. You try to go right, but the other ox is trying to go left. You try to go left and the other ox tries to go right. You try to go forward and the other ox tries to rest. This is an impossible and frustrating situation, but this is where many of us are finding ourselves.
God's whole idea regarding the avoidance of unequal yokes is to keep us from the snares that life presents. Paul spoke of attending upon the Lord without distraction. The only way we will accomplish this goal is to keep the word of the Lord in our lives. Maximizing singleness is a serious thing. Making sure that we do not engage in unequal yokes is part of that process. While many of you remain single, this is an important aspect of your life. It could make or break you. For those of you who are married, the message is the same. Placing approval on people that are not at peace with God will endanger your home, life, your ministry and your salvation. You don't want to expose your family to people of ill-repute. This may be the most serious subject I have written about in Scenario. I pray that you do not take it lightly. If you are not grasping what is written or have a problem with it, I ask that you pray and review it again.
I'll never forget a situation where a certain brother married a woman, just like I'm talking about in this article. He knew of the person's shortcomings, but thought that he could help make a difference. What a foolish reason to get married! The brother was unequally yoked. Someone asks, "Can't God sanctify the unbelieving spouse?" He can, but won't make anyone believe anything. Not only did this brother almost lose his life a couple of times literally but there was a constant move of the devil in his home. Her life seemed to be dedicated to destroying his reputation, goals and visions, as well as his life. Subject to the constant physical and mental abuse and attacks of a contentious woman, he began to deteriorate, both spiritually and naturally (so he thought). He was on the verge of a breakdown. He lived in constant fear and oppression. Then one day before he snapped, God delivered him, resurrected him and placed him in a position where he is now able to provide others with the same comfort whereby he was comforted and delivered. One of the lessons he learned was this, "Don't try to be someone's savior in the name of a relationship. Let God do the work himself. You don't have to marry someone to be a blessing to them."
Just as in the life of Samson, so has it also been in the life of this brother. Judges 14:4 states, But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel. Samson's ill-gotten attraction and desire for Delilah led to the conquering of the Philistines. The devil's plan was to use Delilah to destroy Samson's testimony and influence. God used this situation to his advantage and recorded the events for all of history to see and for the saints of God to be encouraged and strengthened. Just as the Philistines did, the enemy has been exercising dominion against many single Christians, but God had something else up His sleeve. He's resurrecting people out of the bondage's and oppressions of ill-gotten situations and relationships, sharing their testimonies of victory and exhorting Christians all over the world.
By the way, the brother that I mentioned a couple of paragraphs ago . . . I am he. Bitter? Not in the least. That's the work of the Lord also and it's a greater miracle than rising out of a wheel chair. I do know, however, that if you play with the things and decrees of God, you put yourself on dangerous ground and the devil will try to wipe you out. For some, this is a testimony of God's greatness and what He can bring you out of. For others, it's an exhortation to check yourself and cut off any ties that you have with Delilah, Rachel and Ahab types. Don't learn it the hard way like I did. It was approximately six years before I was able to rebound from the damage that was done in my life. The aftermath, however, is that which you now see and hear. Hear the word of the Lord and ask God for wisdom to remember and do what you have heard.
Keep the word and you'll be blessed!
