FEB 27, EVENING

1 Corinthians 9:22
Memorise 2 Corinthians 6:14
“Be ye not unequally yoked…”

In today’s age of relativism and compromise, the stance of biblical separation draws much criticism and disdain from many segments of our society. There are churches and missionary groups who believe that doctrinal differences can be ignored for the sake of the practical advantages of sharing resources, enabling these groups to operate more effectively and efficiently. If this is for the cause of Christ, is it not a good thing?

However, we must understand that the Bible does not support such a position. While it is true that the Apostle Paul said that he would be all things to all men that he might by all means save some, to interpret this as doing whatever it takes and at all costs to bring the gospel to the lost is taking this passage out of context. God never intended for His Word to be corrupted or diluted just for the sake of clocking further miles, more time and greater numbers of listeners and “converts”. To deny doctrinal fundamentals would actually be counterproductive as we would then be sharing “another gospel” as described by Paul in Galatians 1:6-7. Are the converts true believers? In short, we must accommodate the differences of others and try to work together with them as far as possible, but never to the extent of compromising the gospel and our witness for Christ.

Dear Teen, the Bible also teaches us not to be unequally yoked. This means we must have no fellowship with unbelievers and so-called believers who have strayed from fundamental biblical truths. This is not to say that we do not work together with Christians from other denominations. They may have different distinctives, but these must not alter their stand on the important doctrines. An example is how Baptists immerse rather than sprinkle for baptism. Other denominations and churches may participate in the Lord’s Supper once a year instead of every month, or have different forms of church government. The deciding factor in collaborating with others for anything including missions should be their stand on the fundamental doctrines, from which we must never deviate from or compromise on.

Thought: By exchanging the truth for practical advantages, we deny the power and sovereignty of the very God we are witnessing for.
Prayer: Almighty God and Sovereign over all, I thank You that we can glorify You in all things great or small, as long as we are faithful.