Scripture

Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?

Observation

Paul has never withheld his love from the Corinthians, but they have done this to him. He asks them to open their hearts to him.

We must not team up with unbelievers. How can righteousness partner with wickedness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil?

We are the temple of God. For this reason, we should be careful not to be contaminated by idolatry and pagan worship.

Application

This verse, in its traditional rendering of “Don’t be unequally yoked to unbelievers” is often used as a caution against marriage of a Christian to an unbeliever. That is a valid interpretation. A man and wife become one flesh, and so it is wrong to join one’s body to that of a non-christian.

It also applies to other situations. Any close partnership in any field should be examined to see if wisdom would require us to not be involved. For example, a business venture with an unbeliever might not be a worthy arrangement. Creative partnerships in the arts or music might require compromise.

My Bible commentary suggests that the central thought in this passage is that christians must not be involved with anything that requires the worship of idols or glorification of pagan beliefs.

We might differ on where the borders lie on this. I don’t like “welcome to country” proclamations as they put a barrier between Aboriginal people and others, but I tolerate them. I will not participate in so-called “smoking ceremonies” as they are a pagan practice.

Our increasingly pagan society throws up some challenges to christians. How far should we go to welcome the stranger? Where does hospitality become idolatry?

Prayer

Keep me strong in you, Lord Jesus. Please help me to resist the temptation to team up with unrighteousness. Amen.