I guess I had never really thought about the many trade agreements the U.S. has with countries we ideologically oppose.  The differences in philosophy, religious belief, and culture are vast.  Into my mind popped the verse in 2 Corinthians 6:14:  "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:  for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"  (KJV) 

Many people use this verse as a boundary for choosing a marriage partner, i.e. only marrying another Believer, but it also applies to many of life's issues.  In context Paul was exhorting the Corinthian Believers to separate themselves from the unbelievers.  Paul wanted them to understand that participating in the ways of the idolatrous kept them shackled by choice to the old sins they had renounced.

"And what concord hath Christ with Belial?  or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?  for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."  2 Corinthians 6:15-18

This is such an important concept to understand.  When philosophies collide, strife and division are sure to follow.  How can two who are already in disagreement conduct business, marry, or engage in  fellowship? 

*Do not be unequally yoked in business.

Have you ever had someone who wanted to pay you under the table for work?  I have.  Now you have a situation where you have to take a stand and insist on following standard legal practice.  We've run into this in other business transactions too.  We sat down at a closing only to discover that our paperwork indicated we were taking immediate possession of a home.  The problem was everyone at the table, but the attorney for the bank, knew we were renting the house back to the seller.  We were forced to stop the proceedings and make the truth known. 

People do not like obeying the Law, but the Bible clearly teaches that we must:

"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves:  for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief:  for that is unprofitable for you."  Hebrews 13:17

Consider what happens if you have partnered with an employer who does not uphold the same values you do.  You will soon find yourself in the position of disobedience, either to God or man.  Since you cannot disobey God, you will be in disobedience to your boss.  You are now in a lose/lose situation.  Your loyalty is divided, and your integrity is questionable. 

*Do not be unequally yoked in fellowship.

It is permissible to have acquaintance with others who are not of like faith.  We are called by Jesus to go out into the world teaching people about Jesus according to His commission recorded in Matthew 28:19.  However, a commonality of purpose in following Jesus is essential for true Christian fellowship.  Believers are forbidden to join in worship with people of different religious backgrounds because it is idolatry.  When you hear of some preachers and evangelists who advocate uniting with Buddhists, Muslims, Hindis, and other groups, we must take exception and refuse.  They do not worship the Lord God Jehovah and His Son Jesus Christ. 

People have wanted to unite for their own purposes since the days of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11).  God separated the people by confusing the language for a good reason.  They sought together to rebel against the Lord God.  When united with groups who have different gods, there will be confusion and strife, as each sect seeks to follow their god.  Each will want consideration for their beliefs.  Someone will be offended.

In an effort to appease the various religious groups under the guise of freedom of religion, we have seen the conflict this generates in our schools, our justice system, and our neighborhoods.  To appease one, causes offense for another.  Who will we choose to serve?

Believers, we are called to worship the Lord God Jehovah and no other.  We are to obey His laws and commands.  Where there is conflict, we must yield ourselves to His way and no other. 

We can take note of what the Lord said to the Israelites in Leviticus 20:

"...I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people."  Leviticus 20:24b

"And ye shall be holy unto me:  for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine."  Leviticus 20:26

We must not be yoked with those who do not follow the Lord God Jehovah.  In our effort to tolerate and respect the freedom of choice in others, we severely limit our own.  For once we compromise, we will be forever compromising God's way. 

*Do not be unequally yoked in marriage.

Some of the most tragic situations I have encountered involve unequally yoked relationships.  The relationship that would be displeasing to God is where a Believer purposely marries a non-Believer, in complete disobedience to God's teachings about marriage.  Even then, the marriage is to be permanent. 

It also occurs when one partner accepts Jesus as Savior and Lord.  Where two were in agreement, now one is not.  Many would think the marriage is now outside of God's blessing, but it isn't.  The Bible is clear about the permanency of marriage between a man and a woman:

"And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, let not the wife depart from her husband:  but and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband:  and let not the husband put away his wife."  1 Corinthians 7:11

I think if people took God's Law on marriage seriously, they would be more careful about their choice of a marriage partner.  Paul continues with his own thoughts...

"But to the rest speak I, not the Lord:  if any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.  And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him."  1 Corinthians 7:12-13

The intent here is to put a stop to the excuse that it's okay to dump an unbelieving spouse.  Years ago a good friend purposed in her heart that God meant her to have a Christian husband.  The only problem was that she was already married to a man who loved her dearly who had not yet accepted Christ as his Savior and Lord.  Sadly, she left him. 

An interesting note is found in the book of Ezra 9 and 10.  The people of Israel, the priests, and the Levites had taken wives from the heathen people groups that lived in their land in disobedience to God's Law.  Consequently, they had made themselves unclean and unfit for Temple service and worship. So they made a covenant to divorce or "put away" their wives and their children from these wives.  This practice of taking wives from among the heathen peoples had been the downfall of the Kings of Israel and Judah, including Solomon and most importantly, was forbidden by law (Deuteronomy 7:1-6) 

We need to make it our practice as Believers to avoid unequally yoked relationships.  Disobedience in this fosters sin, a compromised testimony, and certainly strife.  Let us not be hasty even in joining in fellowship with unbelievers.  This is a dangerous practice because it sets us up for entering into a marriage or partnership that would be in disobedience.

Separation protects us from illegal and unethical business practices.  Separation protects from becoming embroiled in religious practices that are abhorrent to us.  Separation protects us from strife filled marriages.  If you find a Christian brother or sister who does not follow the ways of Jesus, separation is necessary.  These areas fall under the authority of the church under the rules of church discipline. 

Let us embrace God's Laws with gladness, recognizing His hand of protection and help in keeping us separated unto Himself. 

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"I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications."  Psalm 116:1

Tips to Overcome World Weariness

Do you despair of ever resolving life's issues?  Do you read the paper and immediately feel more stressed?  Are you stressing over the rise of evil?  Depressed over the impotency of man to correct the evils of the world?  All of us have experienced times of discouragement and despair, wishing for a place of relief.  You may be experiencing what I call world weariness.  The prophet Elijah in 1 Kings had his times of discouragement, fear, and weariness.  He reacted much as we do, but his experience can also provide some insight and tips on overcoming world weariness.

It is during times of weariness and discouragement that we seem most likely to become distracted from our walk with the Lord.  Rather than pulling away from Him, we should be drawing even nearer.  Know that we all struggle with things that are beyond our control.  We all worry and fret, uncertain and fearful of the future.  We all get tired of fighting the battles we face as Believers.  When your stress levels are high because of unresolved life issues, it is easy to become world weary. 

Maybe you remember the old adage:  Let go and Let God!  Sounds easy, but when it comes down to practical application, it's tough!  However, there is a lot of wisdom in these words that would help us overcome world weariness.  You see, I believe world weariness is a result of a lack of faith in our Lord, resulting in a desire for control over one's life.  We become discouraged and weary when we discover we can control nothing. 

Elijah the Tishbite experienced his moments of world weariness, with far more cause than we have.  Examining his background, we can learn in 1 Kings 17 that he lived in Gilead, a mountainous region in what would be Jordan today.  Elijah was a prophet; one who spoke God's words.  His name begins with "el" which is the shortened form of the word "elohim" meaning "God" in Hebrew, and "yah" is a form of the word "Yahweh".  Together the meaning is "my God is Jehovah."*  Elijah had all the human frailties we have.  He surely worried about the consequences of his faithful service to God.  Ultimately, he chose to trust God for his safety and wellbeing, and God did not disappoint him. 

Elijah became a thorn in the side of King Ahab.  The first instance we read about Elijah is in 1 Kings 17:1.  He has a message from God for King Ahab.  Ahab had married the daughter of the King of the Zidonians, in disobedience to God's command to be separate from the heathen nations.  His wife, Jezebel, was also a Baal priestess, a certain snare to Ahab's soul.  King Ahab built alters and temples unto the false god, Baal, in direct violation of God's Law.  His idolatry caused the people to turn to idolatry.

God sent Elijah to give His response to King Ahab's wickedness.  Elijah confronted Ahab with these strong words of judgment:

"...As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word."  (KJV)

This was very bad news for King Ahab.  A lack of rain would cause the crops to dry up, resulting in a famine throughout the land.  After delivering his message, Elijah fled for his life, for his words surely angered King Ahab.  You see King Ahab did not care what the Lord God Jehovah wanted.  He had aligned himself with Baal.  Elijah was fearful after confronting King Ahab.  He needed a safe place, but who could he trust? 

The Lord God knew Ahab's heart and knew how highly influenced he was by Jezebel.  Elijah was in danger, so God directed Elijah to a hiding place.

"Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan." 1 Kings 17:3

Notice the Lord God set Elijah up for this dangerous task, but He also provided a way of escape, for his work was not yet finished. 

Next the Lord God told Elijah what He would do for him.  God assured Elijah that His plan would sustain him during this difficult and seemingly uncertain time.  Elijah could not leave his hiding place.  He was dependent on the Lord God for sustenance.  God did not disappoint him.  He assured Elijah of His provision.  Now Elijah could rest and be comforted.  He had not need to fear for his life.

"And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there."  1 Kings 17:4

Elijah was a wise man.  He obeyed God.  He went to the place of retreat and refuge that God had prepared for him.  He stayed there until the little brook dried up and God gave Him instructions for his next mission.  Wise Elijah waited upon God.  He didn't get restless and decide to scope out the land to see if Ahab was around.  He stayed put, waiting for God to give him the direction.

"And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no raid in the land.  And the word of the Lord came unto him..."  1 Kings 17:7-8a

Oftentimes, we jump ahead of God, determining for ourselves what we should do.  We forget to pray and seek the Lord God.  Instead we make arbitrary decisions which often lead us astray and increase our troubles.  Waiting is difficult, but we must learn to seek the Lord God through prayer and Bible reading, and wait for His instructions on how to proceed.

There is another account where God provided for Elijah.  That is found in 1 Kings 18 and 19.  He confronts Ahab again under the direction of the Lord God.  In the meantime the Lord God had been punishing the people of Israel with a severe famine for following after false gods.  God's purpose was to turn the hearts of the people back to Him.  King Ahab had had enough.  He sent Obadiah to find Elijah and to set up a meeting.  Obadiah was afraid of King Ahab and Jezebel.  He knew if Elijah wouldn't agree to meet with Ahab, that his life would be forfeit.  Jezebel had already proven her wickedness by slaying the prophets of the Lord.  Obadiah had saved a hundred of them by hiding them away.  Elijah assured him he would meet Ahab for the Lord had already commanded him.

"And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth."  1 Kings 18:1

When the two meet, Elijah commands Ahab to gather all the prophets of Baal.  They all came together at Mount Carmel.  Then Elijah challenges the people, the King, and the prophets of Baal with these powerful words:

"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions?  If the Lord be God, follow Him:  but if Baal, then follow him.  And the people answered him not a word."  1 Kings 18:21

Responding to their silence, Elijah calls for a test. 

"And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord:  and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God."  1 Kings 18:24a

On this day, God again proved His faithfulness!  After the burning up of the sacrifice, there followed a break in the weather.  God sent rain. 

King Ahab's wife Jezebel was incensed.  She was so angry for her god, Baal, that she threatened Elijah's life.  He believed her!  He ran for his life again, certain that he was the only prophet left.  How quickly Elijah forgot that his protector was the Lord God.  How quickly we forget too, for we are kept in the palm of His hand.  He sees all that happens and is not unaware of our circumstances.

Elijah had been on the run.  Finally, in exhaustion, Elijah took rest under a juniper tree.  World weary with battling unrighteousness and wickedness in high places, he makes an astounding declaration to the Lord God:

"...and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers."  I Kings 19:4b

When we are experiencing world weariness, we often feel that we are alone.  Isolation is a tool Satan uses to cause us to despair and doubt.  How easy it is to forget what God has done for us in the past.  How quickly we decide that He will not continue to be faithful to us.

Again, God provided supernaturally for Elijah.  For Elijah awoke under the juniper tree to find food and water prepared and waiting for him to eat.   After another good sleep, an angel awoke him and encouraged him to eat again.  The angel's words confirm God's understanding; yet He was not ready to honor Elijah's request:

"And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee."  1 Kings 19:7

Forty days and forty nights later, Elijah came to a cave on Mount Horeb where he lodged until the word of the Lord came to him.  Rested, refreshed, and fortified, the Lord revealed His special plan for Elijah in that cave. 

When we are tired and doubting God, we often fail to recognize that God is in control, causing His will to come about.  We Believers have allowed ourselves to misunderstand the Bible and preachers who say life should always be good with no trials or tribulations.  Based on this bit of false doctrine, we believe that when trials do come, it is our fault, due to sin or unbelief.  No wonder when hardship comes, we faint and grow weary. 

Our Lord has given us the Word and the Holy Spirit so that we might know the truth.  We are in a battle.  Trials and tribulations will come.  We are partakers of the same afflictions the saints who came before us experienced.  We can expect to become weary, and to grow discouraged, but we don't have to stay in that condition.  Consider what Paul had to say:

Our thoughts are our worst enemy.  We can literally talk ourselves into becoming fearful, discouraged, and despairing.  Don't look at the odds stacked against you, or the impossibility of your situation.  Have faith in the Lord God.  Consider Paul's instructions:

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."  1 Corinthians 15:57-58

"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.  Let all your things be done with charity."  1 Corinthians 16:13-14

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."  Ephesians 6:10-13

A final thought to help us through life's trials and get us past our world weariness...

"And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:  for my strength is made perfect in weakness."  2 Corinthians 12:9a

Remember we cannot carry the weight of the world on our shoulders.  We do not have control over life's events.  God is in control. 

Let the Lord God Jehovah be the control in your life.  Remember Jesus is our Friend.  If you've forgotten, refresh yourself in the song, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."  You'll be uplifted and blessed as you sing praises to Him. 

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"But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord:  He is their strength in the time of trouble.  And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them:  He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him."  Psalm 37:39-40

"But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me:  thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God."  Psalm 40:17

"My flesh and my heart faileth:  but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."  Psalm 73:26

"I called upon the Lord in distress:  the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.  The Lord is on my side; I will not fear:  what can man do unto me?"  Psalm 118:5-6

"He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust."  Psalm 103:14

"But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children's children; to such as keep His covenant, and to those that remember His commandments to do them."  Psalm 103:17-18