2 Corinthians 6:14-18 "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Therefore,“Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” And,“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
In our modern times this scripture is often used to counsel against marrying a non-believer which is understandable; however, at the time of Paul's writing in Corinth there were broader implications. Corinth was a major seaport located in the northern Mediterranean region. In this city stood enumerate pagan temples where sacred prostitution was widely accepted. You could say that it was, by all standards, one wild city.
The problem Paul was facing with the Christians in Corinth was that it was extremely difficult for a Believer to live out their Christian faith in this repugnant environment. Boundaries and order was a very practical way for him to illustrate the moral standards required in a relationship with a holy God. Also, pride had entered into the picture. The Corinthians were wielding their new found freedom in Christ to do as they pleased. They were attempting to blend their worship of God with the pagan activities they were practicing in the temples. The argument was that what they did with their body had nothing to do with their relationship with God; however, if they were claiming to be Christians, Paul new that ethically, it did matter a great deal.
When someone comes to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit is deposited inside of them and a true Believer would not think of doing anything that would contaminate this temple. Paul is again contending that what the body does can not be separated from who we are as sons and daughters of the Great High King of Kings.
So how can we apply this scripture in our culture today? As Believers living in a pagan culture, Paul calls us to love everyone and exemplify Christ at every opportunity; however, he does warn us not to be drawn away by the influences of the ungodly. We all work with unbelievers, go to school with them, attend sporting events or town meetings, but our closest relationships, friends, spouses, etc., should be formed with people who are like minded. They should have the same passion for the Lord and live with the same principles that Jesus embodies. When this happens, harmony abounds. When there is no harmony, conflict is the result. In Philippians 2:12-13 Paul writes, "What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God Himself willing and working at what will give Him the most pleasure." (MSG)
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Personalize this prayer.
Dear Lord,
Evil entangles our culture everywhere I look. At times it seems that I'm walking against the flow of traffic and moving in the opposite direction of everyone else. I'm not complaining, it just can be lonely, especially in work situations. Please strengthen me and embolden me to press on towards the goal that You have set before me and protect me from the influences of the ungodly so my focus is always set on You. Help me to be a light in the midst of those who are living in the darkness. I remember that time in my life and I would never ever want to go back to my old ways. Give me patience with those who don't know the Truth and allow me to live it before them. I know I can't expect from others what God expects of me so please show me how to close my mouth and listen. Let kindness and love flow from every part of my being until You call me home to be with You.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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