by Bud Lambert
Paul commanded the Corinthian Christians: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers" ( 2 Corinthians 6:14). It is imperative to study a passage in its total context to understand its true meaning. The thesis of the immediate structural context in which Paul's command is found can be stated as the perfecting of purity and holiness. Thus, it can be understood that Paul is commanding Christians not to make a practice of associating with any unbeliever(s) in such a way that will interfere with our purity and our becoming more like Christ.
Understanding Paul's command in this context can help us answer some sensitive questions. Some are as follows:
1. May a Christian attend a college not made up entirely of Christians? Yes, as long as it does not interfere with our purity and our becoming more holy.
2. May a Christian work with a company that is not employed entirely with Christians? Yes, as long as it does not interfere with our purity and our becoming more pure.
3. May a Christian be a member of a club, team, organization, or association not composed entirely of Christians? Yes, as long as it does not interfere with our purity and becoming more like Christ.
Jesus wants Christians to go into the world and associate with unbelievers so we can teach them the gospel and influence them for righteousness (Matt. 28: 19,20). Thus, we must associate with the world! However, whenever any association with the world interferes with our purity and becoming more like Christ, we must change that association.