2 Corinthians 6:14–18 (NLT)
[14] Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?
[15] What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?
[16] And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
[17] Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.
[18] And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
When you are told to separate yourself, it is not a matter of unkindness, but it is for your well-being. It is a call to consider what your life should reflect, not just for you but as an example to others and as the light of the world, a light that should illuminate the lives of others. If you read the passage, you can clearly discern the firmness and the urgency. It’s like seeing your children making decisions that will lead to their demise and wanting to save them because, if you don’t, you understand the outcome:
- Chaos
- Setbacks
- Sickness
- Stress
- And more
It’s the same urgency that comes across in the verses we read. God, our Father, understands the friendships. He understands the business partnerships. He understands the associations and relationships that quietly shape our lives. He knows which ones draw us closer to Him and which ones slowly pull us away.
We often talk about being unequally yoked as it relates to marriage. However, we do not stress it as much in business, casual friendships, and acquaintances that can potentially lead to somewhat permanent situations.
We must always bear in mind that God wants us to be aligned with His will and purpose for our lives, and the enemy would love to see that alignment broken. Therefore, it is important that, through wisdom and discernment, we separate ourselves from unhealthy relationships from the very beginning. We need to know who is good for us and which relationships are not. Because when we become deeply involved, it becomes difficult and messy to walk away, as things become complicated.
We do receive signals and indications from the very beginning. Perhaps it’s the friend who constantly pressures you to compromise your convictions. The business partner who encourages dishonest shortcuts. The relationship that leaves you spiritually dry instead of spiritually stronger. So we must remain present and fully aware of what is happening around us to discern the right connections that will allow us to flourish.
How can we discern what is for us and what is not?
Simple.
Matthew 7:16, 18, 20 (NKJV)
[16] You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
[18] A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
[20] Therefore, by their fruits you will know them.
Additionally, as believers, we must be equally yoked with those who display the fruit spoken of in Galatians 5:22–23:
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
[23] gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
So, you see, it’s not rocket science. We all have what we need through our connection with the Holy Spirit, Christ, and God. It is all laid out in the Bible, and that’s why we must read our Bibles—so we are not distracted when the enemy sends us an attractive package. God never asks us to let go of something without protecting us from what would have harmed us and preparing us for something better. Separation isn’t punishment—it is often God’s way of preserving our purpose.
We stand firm in God’s Word, knowing that we will be protected by it and, therefore, will cultivate good, meaningful, and God-honoring connections all around.
Lots of Love & Amazing Light!
