Pastor’s Thoughts – 06-14-2026

There are many differences and ideas among people. We are often confronted with political differences. These differences can be diametrically opposed from one person to another but do not compare to the separation made by God between those in Christ Jesus and those apart from Him. This is a separation not just in attitude or likes and dislikes, but a separation so complete in its soul that everything that has significance makes this separation infinite. The phrase, “Do not be bound together with unbelievers” in 2 Corinthians 6:14 means to associate with others and yet be out of harmony with them. Other translations use the phrase, “unequally yoked,” picturing it as working animals who are not compliant with one another. God has much to say about our relationships with others.

2 Corinthians 6:14 is often used to remind Christians not to marry non-Christians. Marriage is the most binding and intimate relationship among all human relations. Indeed, no Christian should marry an unbeliever. Marriage of a Christian to a non-Christian is such a serious and difficult matter that there are special instructions given in 1 Corinthians 7 for one spouse who is a Christian after marriage, and the other spouse is not. On the other hand, all Christians must deal in their workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, everywhere with those who are unsaved. Our text refers to close relationships or friendships of our choosing that are more than casual. These are deep friendships with those who are unsaved.

The question some will ask is, “Why not have such friendships, or what difference does it make?” The words Paul uses to define the breach between those in Christ and those not in Christ is very telling. Paul uses expressions of fellowship, harmony, and things in common to describe correct friendships. He explains the impossibility of having such union of friendship while at the same time holding essential opposition in our spiritual area of greatest importance. Naturally, people will choose friends according to their nature and desires. Paul uses contrasting words to demonstrate how those bound in Satan cannot have a deep association with those who belong to God. Nor should there be a desire for such an association. Consider for a moment what the chief end of man is, correctly defined from Scripture, according to the Westminster Confession. It is to, “Glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” All other relationships must be derived from and around this reality. The first part speaks of our purpose for living, and the second part our desire for living. In either of these a relationship by our choice with someone who continues as an enemy of God is difficult, superficial, unworthy, unhealthy, and perilous.

These relationships should not be confused with taking God’s command to give the Gospel to others, and to help others know Jesus Christ. For others to know the truth is of utmost importance. This is not the same as what Paul is referring to as friendships. We are to make a prayerful and sincere effort to present the Gospel to the unsaved, but once it has been made and then rejected, a breach that cannot be filled by any other matter will remain. The fact is that those in Christ and those outside of Christ inhabit two opposing realms. Those in Christ are new creations (2 Cor. 5:17). He says, “Old things are passed away, behold all things are new.” He is addressing a whole different manner of thinking and living that comes with our new relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Unbelievers are characterized by lawlessness, and the saved by contrast have entirely different affections, principles, motives, goals, attitudes and hopes. Not only are these things different, but they are diametrically opposed. Therefore, any relationship between a saved and unsaved person is limited to a temporal desire or need that is unassociated with the essentials of life. We are appropriately friendly, kind, and gracious to all whether saved or unsaved who come into our frame of reference. But having casual, temporal, and non-spiritual interactions are not the kind of relationship with which Paul is addressing. The relationships Paul is addressing are where we place ourselves in a position endorsing the mindset of a non-Christian. This, according to Paul, is disobedience. Paul commands, “Do not be bound together with unbelievers.” This message is so emphatic from Paul that he also quotes a passage from the Old Testament, “Therefore come out from their midst and be separate” (2 Cor. 6:17). The righteous and the unrighteous cannot and must not seek to partner in endeavors where spiritual influence exists or where endorsement contradicts God’s Word. Such an arrangement cannot work for the glory of God!

We should be reminded that God’s Word has examples of people who claimed to know God and at the same time brought the influence of ungodly people into their lives. Solomon, as an example, with all his wisdom allowed his heart to be turned away from God by his inappropriate relation with many wives. On the positive side, one of the blessings we have that offsets our situation of living in a fallen world is the friendship and fellowship of other Christians. The blessing of these relationships where iron sharpens iron, and the encouragement that comes in times of difficulty is gloriously valuable. These are the friendships we have that bind us together in Christ, foster our focus upon Him, and we will carry them with us into eternal glory. We praise our Heavenly Father for His design in restoring human relations by our mutual relation to the Lord Jesus Christ.