Day 09 “But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the...
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers [do not make mismated alliances with them or come under a different yoke with them, inconsistent with your faith].”
– 2 Corinthians 6:14
1 Corinthians 15:33 (AMPC)
Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.
Proverbs 12:26 (AMPC)
The {consistently} righteous man is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked causes others to go astray.
Proverbs 13:20 (AMPC)
He who walks {as a companion} with wise men is wise, but he who associates with {self-confident} fools is {a fool himself and} shall smart for it.
Proverbs 27:17 (AMPC)
Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend {to show rage or worthy purpose}.
Most Christians think of this verse in terms of choosing a boyfriend or a girlfriend, but this verse is meant to be applied to all of our relationships. Does that mean that we can’t have any relationships with anyone who is not a Christian? Let’s take a closer look at what a “mismated alliance” is.
An alliance is defined as both a bond or connection between individuals and an association to further the common interests of the members.
Let’s say, for example, that you joined the school’s soccer team. What is the “common interest” of the team? What would be the “bond or connection” between you and your teammates? It would be working together to become better athletes and to become a winning team. Those things are not inconsistent with your faith. Contributing your best to the common interest of the team and having a consistent, positive attitude would be a good witness to your teammates. However, if you leave a practice or a game with your teammates to hang out and watch ungodly movies, engage in crude talk, or even party, those things are NOT consistent with your faith. You should not be making “a bond or connection” with people who are engaging in those activities.
Make no mistake, you will become like the people you hang around with. Make a heart decision that no matter what it costs, you will choose to keep company that is consistent with your faith. Pray for and seek out godly friends. A godly friend is one of the greatest things you can have, and one of the greatest things you can be!
Confession for today: “Lord, help me to walk away from relationships that are not consistent with my faith. I choose to obey You in this area of my life. Help me find godly friends and help me also to be a godly friend. Let my relationships be like “iron sharpening iron,” helping each other grow in our walk with You. I ask You for this in Jesus’ name, amen.”