Do Not Be Bound Together with Unbelievers

Note from today’s Bible reading: 2 Corinthians 6-7

Those with whom we spend a lot of time will have a great influence on us. This is why Paul warned the brethren in Corinth: “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Paul’s terminology of being “bound together” has led many to believe he was talking about marriage and warning Christians not to marry non-Christians. It is true that an unbelieving spouse can be a discouragement to one who is trying to follow the Lord. Yet Paul’s warning is not limited to marriage.

This warning from the apostle would apply to any relationship we have. If the people around us do not share our values, morals, and standards, we need to be careful. Over time, their influence could weaken our resolve and eventually turn us away from the Lord altogether. This will happen gradually. Often we will not even realize it is happening until it is too late.

Of course, we can (and should) be an influence for good. However, there are times when unbelievers – especially if they have a hard heart – will be more of an influence on us than we will on them. In that case, God calls us to “come out from their midst and be separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17). Not every relationship can be completely abandoned (such as a spouse); but for other relationships, a hard separation does need to occur.

So do not be bound together with unbelievers. Do not put yourself in a position where they influence you more than you influence them. Our fellowship with God is at stake.