Positive Social Isolation

Scripture: Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? 2 Corinthians 6:14-16

Observation: Paul is instructing the Corinthians to be careful of whom they associate with. Since their body is the temple of God, they must be clean in their behavior. This passage - especially the term "unequally yoked" - has often been associated with marriage, and a warning to believers against marrying non-believers who may eventually turn them away from Christ, or at the very least make their lives difficult through a lack of shared faith and support.

However, I see much more here than a concern for marriage. I read this as a warning about all of life. Partnerships can be business relations; fellowship involves friends; sharing includes time and wealth in a community; agreement in the temple may connote bodily intimacy but it can literally involve church associations. In other words, Paul is telling the Corinthians to beware all their earthly associations ... to be careful not to tie their lives, fortunes, daily time, friendships, and work with non-believers. As he says in verse 17, to be separate from the rest of the world.

Application: This lesson is not about separating ourselves physically from the world - we must remain in the world to spread the gospel message, as Paul teaches and exhibits elsewhere. Instead, this is about being mentally separate and relationally guarded from non-believers.

I have often lamented my lack of friendships at work. I have been thinking about this a lot lately. Today, God has given me council and encouragement: It is good that I am not close to my co-workers, who are overwhelming non-believers if not actively opposed to Jesus.

Instead of feeling sorry for my loneliness at work, I should embrace it. I have been set apart. I have been clearly different from others, to the point of non-inclusion. I am not hated, but I am isolated in my beliefs. And as Paul is indicating, this is GOOD. I have not become a business partner, or joined in any fellowship, with those who may lead me astray or make my faith difficult.

This does not make me sadder today! Instead, this encourages me ... I have been strong in my faith, different from those around me, and my social exclusion strengthens my friendship with believers who would encourage me.

Prayer: Thank you for your encouragement today, Lord! You know when I am struggling with certain things, even when it is just mental gymnastics about my life, and you provide the words to guide me. Your love a faith are amazing. Please do help me to stay strong, and to be a light of Jesus in this dark place as you would give me opportunities. Amen.