MAY 6

2 Corinthians 6:14
Memorise 2 Corinthians 6:14
“Be ye not unequally yoked”

WHAT IS ECCLESIASTICAL SEPARATION?

A yoke is a wooden beam that typically joins pairs of animals at the head or neck for the purpose of them working together to pull a load. It’s a very close relationship when animals are joined at the head or neck. This is deliberate. The animals have no choice but to work together. Imagine, if possible, if they were joined at the tail? Chances are they would more often than not work at different speeds and in different directions. Another thing we realize about yokes is that one would never join a horse with an ox. The yoke would not fit well, and each animal is designed by God to do different things and each has their own unique temperament and physical build. The farmer would be foolish to fashion such an unequal yoke, for to do this would ensure chaos! The animals might even be a danger to one another. The purpose for a yoke is to join two or more animals that are the same so that together they can pull a greater load than working on their own.

A rhetorical question follow the command not to be unequally yoked, which highlight how believers and unbelievers are the direct and polar opposites of the other: righteousness/unrighteousness, light/darkness. How can such opposing parties form a close relationship that is one of fellowship and communion with involves brotherhood, harmony and unity of a shared purpose?

As Christians, our work is to do the will of God. To “…teach all nations… Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20) It is clear how impossible it would be for Christians and the Church as a body of believers to ever work together with unbelievers. We cannot say the ‘ends justify the means’ because the Great Commission was given to believers not unbelievers. It is not the intent of unbelievers or secular organisations to fulfill the Great Commission. The Apostle Paul’s instruction is crystal clear: the Church can never work together with unbelievers, for that would be compromising with the devil! Ecclesiastical separation is thus knowing how to draw the line in not cooperating or have any spiritual relationships with unbelievers and with churches that are doctrinally deviant.

Thought: What reasons do churches give for working together with unbelievers?
Prayer: May I remember that Your work must be done Your way and not mine. May I and my church have the obedience and faith to accomplish it.