Devotional Day 20: Being Equally Yoked

• 2 Corinthians 6:14 : "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"
• 2 Timothy 3:5 : "Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people."
• Proverbs 16:9 : "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."
• It's inevitable that we will deal with all kinds of relationships in life. What's important is that we surround ourselves with people that have to same understanding and morals or ideals that we do.

     In 2 Corinthians 6:14 it speaks of not involving yourself with nonbelievers. I think this needs to be explained. In life, it is our Christian duty to witness to those who do not take the opportunity to build a relationship with God. Its important that we reach out to those people. What is also important to realize is that some people do not want to be helped. Someone people are content with their life how it is and have no desire to move forward in Godliness. These are the people 2 Corinthians 6:14 speaks of, in my opinion. It's not those that haven't been helped, it's those that have been shown the opportunity they have and contently turn it down. Those are the type of people that can drag you down in your spiritual walk and your fight for Godliness. No matter how strong of a Christian you are, we all have weak days. Don't intentionally hold yourself down with someone who has no desire to understand what you believe through faith. The best thing you can do for them is pray.

     In 2 Timothy 3:5, I believe it speaks of people that, for lack of a better term, are fake. We're human. We can be fooled and a lot of times we like to give people the benefit of a doubt. In all actuality, sometimes we just have to step back and realize something for what it's really worth. Many times it's the people that are good actors that get to us the most. The feed in to what we hold close to us through our spirituality and relationship to Christ for their own beneficial needs. It's hard to recognize at times. A relationship has to be built on an understanding of one another. Make sure you truly understand someone before you assume all they say is true. Don't be too quick to be infatuated (like me and I'm sure every other teenage girl out there does) with what you see on the outside and what you've been convinced of up front. As harsh as the word "fake" may sound, sadly enough it's true.

     The most important thing to remember is that God has to be part of your relationship in order for it to be successful. You decide what path you take in life, and like the verse says above in Proverbs, "the Lord establishes the steps." God is going to be your main foundation! Your relationship has to be one of understanding and respect. If you are two spiritual leaders through Christ, what can harm you? You have each other there for daily support and to remind you of who your foundation is. Have a relationship based on both of you progressing towards Christ likeness. Have a relationship based on prayer.

                                                                           Questions/Application

• How do you think you can defend yourself against the "fakes"?
• What do you feel most puts God in the center of your relationship?
• How can you and the person your with include God even more in your day to day life?
• What is the best thing you can do for someone that doesn't seem to want help?