Not Isolated – but Insulated
Much of our world is UNASHAMEDLY wallowing in the mud of sin and immorality. We are constantly being exposed to this philosophy in nearly every aspect of our lives; we can hardly get away from it. And it is nearly impossible for us not pick up some of the dirt. This problem of being a Christan in a Non Christian world is not a new problem. The church battled this problem right from the start, and the church at Corinth is by far no exception. They lived in and were surrounded by, a city saturated in immorality and sin, and some of that philosophy, immoral lifestyle and attitude crept into the church.
In II Corinthians 6:14 – 7:1, Paul gives us principles that will help us stay clean, while we are living in the midst of a spiritual pig pen—this world….
Paul writes, “DO NOT BECOME UNEQUALLY YOKED TOGETHER WITH UNBELIEVERS.” This concept goes all the way back to Deuteronomy 22:10, “DO NOT PLOW WITH AN OX AND A DONKEY YOKED (OR HARNESSED) TOGETHER.” The ox was a clean animal to the Jew and the donkey was not, therefore it would be wrong to yoke them together. Certain things are fundamentally incompatible, like oil and water. They were never meant to be joined together. This principle applies to the Christian and the non Christian. The purity and nature of the Christian and the pollution and nature of a pagan were never intended to run together in a double harness.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites, before entering the promise land, were commanded by God to remain separate from the Canaanites. AND this principle of “separation”, carried over in an even greater way to the New Testament, where we see throughout its pages Christians being referred to as “Saints.” This term means, “set apart”, and “called out”. Christians by definition are called out from the world and are set apart to serve God and do His will.
There is a big difference between casual association and being unequally yoked. To be “yoked”, means to be tied together in close intimate relationships. It means to be partners together over extended periods of time so that the methods priorities and strategies of one become the other’s.
Separation is more than a negative act of departure; it is also a positive act of dedication. Like individuals who clean up caustic spills that wear special clothing, Christians need to wear protective clothing — we need to put on Christ — breast plate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit the word of God.
Are we rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ, do we know Him, do we know his word — If we don’t, we really are not ready to go into the world, we are not ready to clean up the spills of broken lives and dreams, unless we are insulated from the contamination by the protective clothing of Jesus Christ. We are not isolated – but insulated!
-jlg-