Typically when we read the passage in 2 Corinthians 6:14, "Do not be yoked with together with unbelievers" we think of marriage. As we learned on Sunday (you can read my sermon notes here) that was not primarily what Paul was talking about. It certainly does apply to those we marry, but really the broader sense is to be careful who our close associates are.
I'd like to hear your perspective on this issue. I know some of you have close non-Christian friends or maybe even a spouse. How do you balance your faith and commitment to God yet stay in close relationship with someone who does not share your deep commitment to God? Does this mean that single people should not even date non-Christians? Do we only have Christian business associates? As with all scripture, there is a balance to be struck. Let's dialog about the balance of being "salt and light" in this world, yet not being swayed or pulled way from our faith by an unbeliever.
Finally, I want you all to know that I'll be on vacation until August 30th, so I won't be posting much, if anything to my blog site. Thanks so much to all of you who take the time to read over this site. I do love staying connected to you all and love hearing from you when you can respond.
4 comments:
An old youth pastor of mine told me to evaluate my relationships with non-Christians.
He told me to see who is being influenced more? My non-Christian friends/partners or me.
I've had a lot of non-Christian friends. For me, I often found myself being the lone Christian of the group. It is definitely tough to not be drawn into an unhealthy discussion or situation when it comes up...sometimes I found myself in a situation where I didn't want to be and wondered how I got there.
However, in the Bible, it mentions that people will think it is strange when we don't partake of the things they are doing.
At times, I've had to withdraw myself from my group of friends...I'm sure many of us on this blog have had the same kind of experience.
If you are single do you only date Christians? Ideally that would be a great, but with a small church like this where do you meet people who arent married and have kids. (No offense to those who are). My friends are non christans so ... what do you do? I am in the middle of dating someone who isnt a Christan am I suppose to break up with them? They respect my religon and has shown interest in going to church but they are pretty stubborn on their own ways. I have prayed about this... and still am.... Does anyone have any suggustions?
Consider the long-term effect...
Is this relationship going to lead to marriage?
Does this relationship effect your relationship with God? Is there a temptation for fornication?
Being in a relationship with a non-Christian won't keep you out of heaven if you continue to walk with God...but consider if your relationship is affecting your walk with God.
The more you get to know this person, the more committed you will become and more important different issues will be.
If you don't really intend on marrying this person, then count the cost of how difficult it will be to possibly end the relationship.
Hope this helps.
I've found that in general a committed Christian who dates a non-Christian often ends up in a compromise. That very real, tangible, flesh relationship ends up swaying the emotions. It's tough to hold to your Christian convictions when someone you are growing to love doesn't share that same spiritual interest.
Then after a period of dating, the Christian realizes something has to change. Either they compromise their faith to continue to date this person or the other person comes to faith in Jesus. It's called "missionary dating" and most often it doesn't work.
I realize it's tough in a small church like ours to find a Christian mate, so there is nothing wrong with looking in other places for your mate. I've seen lots of married couples find each other in our church, yet I can understand the need to look for a partner wherever God may lead you to.
I just know from years of ministry experience that dating a non-Christian is always harder than it seems. I'd be cautious and always state your commitment to God first and foremost.
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