AM I EQUALLY YOKED? BY TONYE COLE
The question was one I’d heard many times and it often left both those asking and the responders in a state of uneasy limbo, not quite sure if the answers sought had been answered emphatically enough or even practically. As the vehicle continued to weave its way through the surprisingly light Lagos traffic, I sensed the anticipation of my covoyagers as they waited to see what insight I might have to the age old biblical edict that one should not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. Now it was my turn to be in the spotlight.
The application of that statement over the years has seen many believers turn down great opportunities to partner on a multitude of prospects with people of other faith. It has prevented investments into businesses, in the stock market, in shares and equity just as it has determined and defined marriages, friendships and even where to live and work. Through it all, it’s incorrect application has been far more limiting than empowering, incredibly more destructive than enhancing and probably one of the greatest contributors to limiting believer influence on earth than unbelief itself.
The Almighty God, upon setting all of creation on course gave man one edict; be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over every living thing that moves on the earth. When man lost this mandate to Lucifer in the great fall and Christ came to retrieve that which was lost, the edict became one of believers being the light of the world and salt of earth. You are not called to cut yourself off in total isolation from the rest of mankind but to influence the world, not required to eschew partnerships but to sweeten them, not expected to run from and be quarantined from unbelievers but to be the light they see always to guide them home. You are the one called to be the lead in the yoking and not the unequally yoked underdog.
How much influence do you have in your yoke?
May the Lord open our eyes to who we truly are called to be today. For your comments, contributions, connect with me here: @TonyeCole1 on Twitter.