Unequal Companions

How vitally important it is to make the right choice concerning a marriage partner! This is something the Christian must pray about and let the Lord lead. The Bible teaches that the Christian is not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. This admonition is not given in the form of a suggestion or mere advice. It comes with the terrific impact of a commandment.

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14).

This definitely indicates that a Christian should not marry an unbeliever, but rather choose one who has been born again – a true believer.

The words of instruction that God gave to the Israelites are still in effect today:

"Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God.

"Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you:

"Know for a certainty that . . . they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes" (Joshua 23:11-13).

We are not living in an idolatrous land as were the people spoken to here, but these verses of Scripture contain a spiritual meaning for us also. They warn us that if we take a companion outside the household of faith – from among the "heathen" – we will have trouble!

If you, as a Christian, go among the worldlings to find a person who appeals to you, and choose one who is not saved, you may very well be consummating a contract that will make life a hell on earth for you – and it might mean your eternal damnation.

Marriage can have a great spiritual influence on your life for the worse or for the better. The wrong decision could foil God's purpose for you in His service – and even worse, cause you to miss Heaven. In Heaven, earthly relationships will be dissolved, but for your time on earth, marriage relationships are of utmost importance.

The Lord will direct those who seek His will regarding marriage – even to the decision of whether to marry at all. But if one insists on having one's own way instead of the Lord's will, He may let that person have his desire. The result might bring leanness to the soul and disaster to the marriage.