UNEQUALLY YOKED

One of these two - or both - are gonna get hurt.

I'd like to share with you what this means, so let's start with what God said.

"You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together." Deuteronomy 22:10 NIV

"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" 2 Corinthians 6:14 NIV

In the Deuteronomy example above, leaders of the time made it unlawful for farmers to yoke together an ox with a mule to plow for two reasons. The first reason is that plowing the land was impossible for farmers to get their field prepared for planting in time. The ox and the donkey worked against each other. The harvest was depended upon by all. The second reason, and more to the point of this blog, is that one or the other of the animals, or both will get hurt doing it this way.

But let's talk about a more current example of how we all have chosen to be "equally yoked" at one time or another.

You are in the market for a vehicle. Do you want the new car smell, or is the pine tree scent of a used vehicle okay by you? Do you want it in perfect running order, or are you willing to take a wrench to it? Do you need the bells and whistles to be happy, or do you need a good work car? Or do you just need something in between?

When dealing with relationships, it gets a little murky if you haven't decided who you are, or what you stand for. Your search for a soulmate becomes a "trial and error" effort, and sometimes you settle because you never come across "the one."

May I make a suggestion? Figure out what you stand for and stand for it. Make it known to yourself first, then others, and accept only those people into your life that share those same core beliefs with you. You'll whittle down the potential pool of mates very quickly if you do that. You will not have to kiss a lot of toads before you find your Prince Charming that way.

For Christians, the apostle Paul told the Corinthians to yoke themselves to each other as a starting point. Don't try to develop a relationship with people who don't believe in Jesus Christ because you'll never experience true intimacy with that person if you don't have the same core beliefs. It may not show up during the honeymoon, but strife will show up shortly thereafter. And now, what?

So, take your time. Decide what you stand for, and what you stand against. Tell prospective mates who you are, and don't settle for the pretty face.

Save the little compromises you will make during your relationship. Do not compromise before the relationship. Trust me on this. I compromised three times. As I referenced before, and I didn't listen:

"You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together." Deuteronomy 22:10 NIV

Thank you for reading! Please share if you feel this would help someone. This blog exists to bring biblical clarity to the stories shaping our world. If you’ve been encouraged, share this post with someone who needs truth and hope today. Together, let’s stand firm in Christ—where faith meets the front page. These are my thoughts. What are yours?