Be Holy

II Corinthians 6:11–18
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Separation from the ungodly is a basic Bible doctrine. Verses 14 and 15 of this chapter are often applied to various sorts of alliances such as mixed marriages, improper business associations and religious fellow­ship. The idea of the unequal yoke comes from Deuter­onomy 22:100 where it says “Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together.” To the Jew an ox was a clean animal, and the ass wasn’t. It was wrong to yoke them together (Deuteronomy 14:1-8). Paul is saying that in the same way, it is wrong for believers to be yoked together with unbelievers. Believers in the Corinthian church were compromising with the world, not walking a separated way (vv. 14-18).

It is unfortunate that this important doctrine of separation has been so misunderstood and abused in recent years. On the one hand some sincerely zealous Christians have turned separation into isolation. They have restricted their association and fellowship to the point where they are fellowshipping in a phone booth, and they cannot even get along with themselves. On the other hand, in reaction to this extreme position, other believers have torn down all the walls and will fellow­ship with anybody, regardless of what he believes or how he lives. We must remember that separation is not just a negative act, but it is also a positive act of dedication to God. In our desire for doctrinal and personal purity, we must not isolate ourselves from those who need our ministry of the Word. 

Application

Considering Paul’s counsel, what relationships with others, if any, do I need to change? I must be sure that I am always turning away from sin, not people, and turning to God in everything I do.