Interfaith Marriages are Challenging

by David Shannon

�Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?� 2 Corinthians 6:14

Paul warns of the danger of believers joining in close relationships and commitments with unbelievers. When he ask the question, �what communion has light with darkness,� the word �communion� could also be translated �partnership.� The most involved partnership is marriage. What fellowship does a spouse who is committed to God have while married to a spouse who is an infidel? They don't share in the same fellowship of core values which serve as a compass for life. Can you imagine going on a hiking trip using a compass as your guide, while your partner has another compass contrary to yours? How frustrating would it be if their west was north? As you met forks in the trails they might insist west was north while you insisted north was north. If each followed their own compass the two spouses would not end their journey together. Our core values, which are made up of our faith, convictions, commitments, and priorities govern our lives. For example, a godly person is committed to attending worship on Sunday each time the church meets. If they are married to one who does not share those core values their compass says this is a waste of time and proof you do not care for spending time with your spouse. How many marital conflicts have resulted from those who were �unequally yoked?�
The Ladies Home Journal published an interesting article in their May issue (2005) on pages 174-176. According to a recent American Religious Identification Survey conducted by the Graduate Center at City University of New York, couples of interfaith marriages are up against a tough battle�a battle of core values. Twenty-two percent of Americans are in these �slug out� values which end in divorce three times more often than unions of single faith. Children placed into this mix cause additional friction for �soul custody.� The surprise to many is these couples admit before their wedding they never discussed their different faith/religions and how it would affect their lives and children.

Christians must consider others faith before yoking with them in business partnerships, close friendships, and especially marriage!

Summary: The Lord invites us to take His yoke upon us ( Matthew 11:28ff). If we are yoked with Him and an unbeliever at the same time, a tug of war will become the most challenging battle of our life. If it�s not too late�this is a battle to avoid! If it is too late, God doesn�t give interfaith as a reason for divorce ( I Corinthians 7:12-13). Yoke carefully.

• Yoked with Unbelievers -Sep 25, 2005