Unequally yoked NO, yet bold YES…

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1)

Yesterday we went to a neighborhood gathering involving wine, cheese and other nibbles, and visiting. I sat with several people and we talked about current events, both in our community, and in the world. Some of these folks are Christians, others not, but there was mostly harmony in opinions, particularly an upcoming referendum that would affect all of us. Here, the agreement was obvious. Christian or not, we did have the same views on most issues.

Is that being unequally yoked? Most say not. One definition is says unequally yoked means do not have a close, binding partnership with someone who has a fundamentally different faith, moral center, or worldview, or anything that would pull me away from faith in Christ. 

In other words, friendships with unbelievers is okay. Otherwise how could I speak to anyone about being reconciled to God? Unequally yoked  is more about marriage, business partnerships or relationships with those who live and promote ungodly lifestyles. We watched a drama last night where the police talked with a man guilty of incest and that man said, “Pardon me for not sharing your moral values.” Even thinking about his nonchalance over such sin makes me feel ill. He had no idea of how such thinking brings pain into many lives.

The only positive in realizing such darkness exists is that it increases my burden to pray and to be as totally dedicated to Christ as possible. I’ve already realized that even two who disagree on spiritual issues walk and talk differently and pull in different directions. Such a partnership cannot be effective in any endeavor. Even having food together requires the grace of God in ordinary conversation. Sometimes I just want to stay home rather than be challenged by the words and ideas of those who reject Jesus.

The NT speaks of a boldness from the Holy Spirit. Even though I’m not nearly so fearful of being rejected as I once was, I know that I need the Spirit to boldly speak  when unbelievers need to hear about Jesus.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. . . . And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness. . . . And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:13-31)

When the Spirit gives boldness, it is often a surprise and always has a positive result. In other words, it cannot be mustered up, or faked, or a product of my own determination. It is one of those “only God” things for which I praise Him!

Lord Jesus, sometimes I want to hide and not be with unbelieving people. You are not like that, and I need to be more like You. Grant me the attitudes You desire, and a boldness that removes all that blocks me from faithfully sharing You with others, and not sliding into any agreements that would deny my faith in You. 

For Christian moms and grandmothers . . .

Today’s devotions are dedicated to all moms and grandmothers, including me, and especially those who are or have been married to unbelievers. God gives a huge boost of encouragement with these verses.

The Apostle Paul has a working relationship with Timothy, a young pastor who is well-spoken of in many passages in the New Testament. One of the most revealing is in Acts:

Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. (Acts 16:1)

In Christian circles, it seems that Timothy’s parents were ‘unequally yoked’ — that is, his mother believed in Jesus the Messiah, but his father probably didn’t. If he did, this verse very likely would have said so. His mother would have some difficulties in this relationship. In my experience, being the wife of an unsaved husband is not only a challenge, it also adds problems to raising children. In that culture, the men were far more ‘head of the family’ than now, but even now if a wife wants to teach her children about Jesus and the husband is opposed, the home will have some tension. Timothy’s mother would need much wisdom to raise her son in faith. Where did her wisdom come from?

The answer is in Paul’s second letter to Timothy where he notes some history about this young man . . .

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. (2 Timothy 1:5)  . . . and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15)

Timothy’s mother was raised by a Christian mother, his grandmother. She may have been unequally yoked too. The passage does not say, but it does imply that she had faith in Christ and shared gospel truth with her daughter who then shared it with her son. Of particular importance is that they used the Scriptures to teach the boy and from them, he understood God’s plan of salvation.

As Timothy put his faith in Christ for salvation, these women continued to do an excellent job of raising this boy in ‘the nurture and teaching of the Lord’ — as Paul describes in his first letter to Timothy:

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:5)

They taught young Timothy to love God and others with a pure heart. The only way that can happen is through the cleansing power of the Lord — given to all who continually confess their sin and rely on Jesus to purify their hearts.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

This is powerful. Had Timothy been taught that he was a talented young man and constantly told “you can do it” he would not be relying on Jesus but on himself. If his self-esteem was made a priority, he would not be confessing sin and learning to love God with a pure heart. These women knew the importance of keeping short accounts with God, chiefly that it is an expression of faith, of how much we need Him. They stayed true to the gospel message, often not popular with any age, even children.

Not all mothers pass their faith along to their children. Some are given a second chance with their grandchildren. Some women must also work through the issues of being unequally yoked. Lois and Eunice and the outcome in Timothy are God’s encouragement to keep sharing Jesus with family members, even the youngest of them. God can use grandmothers to help little ones become wise for salvation — and grow up to serve God.

^^^^^^^^^^^^

Lord Jesus, on the days when I feel old and useless, I need to remember to persevere. While Your Spirit can work in anyone without me, You have chosen to use Your people to share Your message. This is an awesome privilege. It is important to pay attention to Your guidance and just as important to make sure we give them Your Gospel message and not any other notions that contradict it!

Today’s thankful list . . .

Two amazing young women who clean my whole house in two hours.

A short nap.

Chatting with my brother about a family concern.

The ability to create posters and other helpful design projects.

Crock pot stew — smells heavenly too.

The joy of the Lord which gives me strength.