When a Christian and a non-Christian marry, that couple is considered unequally yoked. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NIV) advises, “do not be yoked together with unbelievers.”
Deuteronomy 22:10 tells us, “Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together.” A yoke is a wooden crosspiece fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull. When two animals of unequal strength are yoked together, the stronger one will need to bear more of the burden and the weight will not be evenly distributed.
In God’s sight, a man and a woman become one (or yoked) when they marry. Emotionally, spiritually, intellectually and financially, the couple will need to work through the challenges of life together. It is especially important for the couple to pull together spiritually.
Why does the Apostle Paul admonish us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers? He warns us in Romans 12:2 saying, “do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” As the saying goes, “Be in the world, but not of it.” Christians are to live as “new creatures” in this unrighteous world while simultaneously not allowing it to influence us or lead us astray from the path of self-sacrifice.
A non-Christian spouse will not be willing to sacrifice all to follow in Jesus’s footsteps. Remember Jesus’s words in Matthew 16:24, “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” The natural spouse will appropriately want the good things of the world. But Jesus told his followers, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth…” (Matthew 6:19).
Therefore, the marriage ideal is for a Christian believer to only marry another Christian, and one with similar faith and spiritual goals. Jesus’ followers consecrate to do the Lord’s will in all aspects of their lives and that certainly involves choosing an appropriate life partner.
Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #848: “Should Christians Marry Only Christians?”
Christian and worldly relationships defined biblically
CQ Rewind Show Notes
