Over the years, I have heard this phrase being used to describe a relationship or business venture that involves people who are not like-minded in regards to spiritual things. It never really dawned on me why the word "yolked" would be used. I pictured in my head an egg, of course and thought "Well, I guess like the egg, you have the yolk and the white and they are not the same. One is healthier for you than the other"...and the list continues of their differences. OK, get a good laugh; go ahead, I'll wait here until you are done! I can't believe that it has taken me this long to "get it", but of course the word used is "YOKED" not yolked! Now this makes perfect sense!
As we read in God's Word, the image of oxen being yoked together is given many times. With the proper word in place, being yoked to someone who is not on the same page spiritually would be a problem. Can you envision two oxen yoked together with one wanting to go to the right and one to the left or worse yet, wanting to go in reverse? This just would not work! When we are engaged in relationships, either marital or business, being unequally-yoked IS a burden. For those of you who are in an unequally-yoked situation, you probably know the strain that can develop. If you are submitted to the Lord's will for your life, yet you are also committed to another person who isn't submitted to Christ, there is a serious conflict in the choices that you may make and the way that you come to your decisions. It is no wonder why God would instruct us to be certain that in those committed types of relationships, we be yoked to someone who is being led by the same Spirit.
Jesus says in Matthew that we are to "take His yoke upon us...for His yoke is easy and His burden is light". Even if we are submitted to the Lord, being yoked to a non-believer will lend to a heavy burden at times. God knew this and instructed us accordingly so that we wouldn't experience this conflict. Yes, equally-yoked relationships have their moments of stress and frustration, but that is because our flesh gets in the way from time to time. However, if we are submitted Christians, the yoke of our Lord will lead us to resolution. If you are considering an unequally-yoked relationship, study God's Word and allow Him to reveal to you the dangers and warnings. Usually we move forward in these relationships because we get impatient. We "love them and think that they will change" or we "know that this deal will set us up financially". If love or security is where God is leading you, He will do it according to His Word and His timing. Don't get in a hurry and bind yourself to someone that will become a burden God never intended for you to carry.
In 2nd Corinthians 6:14-18 Paul teaches the new Christians about the dangers of being yoked to non-believers. These verses speak the truth about the dangers involved, but I do want to point out that we are supposed to mingle with non-believers so that God may use us to show them His love and glory. It is in tight personal relationships that we are to steer clear of commitment with them.
Read Matthew 11:28-30 and 2nd Corinthians to see what God’s Word says.
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