“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)

A yoke is an contraption placed over the head of two animals that enables them to share the load of tilling the soil.

Metaphorically, it symbolises the power of committed partnership that binds two otherwise free individuals to the same task, multiplying their effectiveness.

An unequal yoke occurs when one animal – significantly stronger or more motivated – shoulders a larger proportion of the load, or when both decide to pull in different directions.

Read the full context of 2 Corinthians 6-7. Paul’s instructions were not directed at marriage specifically, or even between two people, but used in context of how temples of God should not be in agreement with temples full of idols. 

Of course, for most people, the highest, most lasting level of partnership one would commit to is marriage, which explains why the verse has become synonymous with confining marriage to Christian circles.

Can a Protestant marry a Catholic if both are sincere followers of Christ? What about a Presbyterian and a Charismatic? Are the ties that bind enough to overcome the differences that divide?

It’s clearly not a good idea for a Christian to marry a committed practitioner of another faith, because somewhere down the line the couple will be confronted with the dilemma of choice regarding major life decisions based on contradictory beliefs.

But even among “Christians”, things are seldom black and white.

THE GREY OF “INTER-FAITH”

Ambiguity is introduced when we consider the many variants that profess Jesus as Lord – Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Protestant and all their sub-denominations – all of which disagree on certain elements of the Word, the nature of Christ, salvation, liturgy and history.

Can a Protestant marry a Catholic if both are sincere followers of Christ? What about a Presbyterian and a Charismatic? Are the ties that bind enough to overcome the differences that divide?

Can a fervent born-again Christian possibly marry a lukewarm cultural Christian – one whose religion is more reflected on his IC than in his manner of living? Sure. But, because the unequal yoke tugs both ways, the journey ahead will hurt.

Yes, we all know that one golden couple that made it work against all odds, but swept under the rug are once-committed believers held back by their lukewarm partners.

Uneven faith is an unequal yoke.

“For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?” (1 Corinthians 7:16)

We don’t. Sharing the marital yoke with unbelievers, while permissible, is probably not beneficial – it plants a foothold for lust-fuelled idolatry to take root in our lives. You place what you want in a partner above what God wants.

Even the union between fervent Christians is potentially an obstacle to the journey of faith. It could, according to 1 Corinthians 7:35, divide the attention you give to God. Ministerial incompatibilities may derail partners from their personal callings.

For instance, if one is called to be a slum missionary in Calcutta, and another to head a worship ministry in Sao Paulo, something’s got to give.

TAKE THE EASY YOKE

Given the power and urgency of the gospel, Paul did not think too highly of marriage, considering it the lawful avenue for natural urges (1 Corinthians 7:6-11), and an avoidable source of anxiety (1 Corinthians 7:32-35).

We’re warned of unequal yokes, but ironically, we’re called to be part of the most unequal yoke of all.

“Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13), think of God as the faithful sower, patiently sowing seeds in the different soils of our hearts. Many fall on the path, rocky or thorny soil. But should there even be a hint of good soil to receive the seed, fruitfulness abounds.

Ironically, we’re called to be part of the most unequal yoke of all. On the Cross, Jesus bore the weight of the world’s sin and death.

On the Cross, Jesus bore the weight of the world’s sin and death while we were still sinners, dragging us from the kingdom of darkness, through the valley of the shadow of death, to His kingdom of marvellous light (Colossians 1:13). That’s the most unequal share of the load imaginable, and we’re the beneficiaries.

As we come to life in Him, He invites us to don the blessed yoke of redemption and walk alongside Him for eternity, that together we may boldly reclaim what was lost, and restore what was broken. May God search our hearts and reveal its depths to us (Psalm 139:23-24).

So if you must burn, burn with passion for the greatest relationship possible. His yoke, you’ll find, is the easiest and most joyful one you could ever bear.