HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY
2 Corinthians 6:14 Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
Oh Friends, it’s Valentine’s Day! A day for a special outpouring of LOVE to those we consider worthy of our LOVE and/or Friendship. It’s also another one of those days designed to bolster the coffers of the merchants at our expense, with gifts of chocolates, cards and all sorts of unusual doodads. (smile) However, I guess if it does boost the outpouring of good and sincere sentiments, then we have to acknowledge its importance, for anything in these evil, ungodly and hard times that produces or enhances a feeling of peace and LOVE amongst humans is worthy to be noted and supported. But having said that, we still need to be very careful in our relationships, because as Bruh Paul said to the immature Corinthian congregation: ‘Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.’ Now it doesn’t mean we can’t be friends with unbelievers, but we have to be very particular whom we associate with outside of God’s circles of believers, and also how we interact with them. In truth though, some unbelievers behave better than some supposed believers. Anyway,the important words in his statement are ‘unequally yoked,’ meaning the unbeliever must never be the one who controls the relationship, nor their ideas be the dominant topics of conversation. Instead, our ideas and beliefs concerning Jesus and all that He stands for, should dominate the relationship, obviously in a kind and godly manner reminiscent of Jesus’ style. We can’t say to have no relationships whatsoever with unbelievers for we meet them in all walks of life. Furthermore, how else are we going to tell them of our wonderful Saviour and all the good things He’s done and is still doing for us and get them on track to become believers? How are they going to see and judge the beautiful Christ like examples we set, having told them all those great tidings re our omnipotent, omniscient and ever-LOVING God, if we don’t interact with them on some level? Remember, examples speak more forcibly than words. The important thing here Friends, is to keep our wits about us, use some common sense, try to keep control of the interactions so that their unbelief doesn’t dim or wither our faith in the One True God, Jehovah. This is not always easy to do, for some unbelievers can be very aggressive, assertive and convincing too, and if our faith is not solidly entrenched in the blood and the cross of Jesus, then they can turn the tables on us, cause doubts to enter our minds and to eventually backslide. Consequently, Bruh Paul warned: ‘I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company (associate) with fornicators.’ (1 Cor.5:9) Now according to the scholars, that was an earlier epistle which was lost, but we’re sure that’s one thing he told them in it. ‘Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.’ (1 Cor.5:10) It’s the same thing we were saying people, you can’t help but meet the ungodly in this world. To not come upon them, you would have to go out of the world. But listen to Jesus praying to the Father for His own people: ‘I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil (one)…As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.’ (John 17:15,18) It sure is a tricky situation my people: we’re not to associate with those of excessive ungodliness; ‘for what fellowship (in common) hath righteousness with unrighteousness (lawlessness)? and what communion (fellowship) hath light with darkness?’ But Friends, it’s some of those very people; the unrighteous and those in the dark, that Jesus befriended. It’s also those who need to hear the good news of the gospel of Christ the most. For when the scribes and Pharisees questioned Jesus: ‘Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I am come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ (Luke 5:30-32) Yes my people, we are called to do a seemingly impossible task, but as we all know, with those who LOVE and obey God, all things are possible. Nevertheless, let’s close with some more warning words of Bruh Paul, this time to the church at Ephesus. ‘Let no man deceive you with vain (empty) words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children (sons) of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them…And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (expose) them.’ (Eph.5:6-7,11) Yes Friends, in all our associations and relationships, we must be led by the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and ensure that Jesus and His Good News Gospel is the primary topic that permeates the atmosphere. May the Good Lord through His Spirit strengthen and guide us in this matter. We pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen. Much LOVE!…saving lost souls is our duty…but we can’t do it without heavenly help…
SCRIP-BITS 