Yoked
Being “yoked” is a very strong statement. To walk with someone is not that strong. To be connected is not as strong although close. To be yoked with someone else is a condition that renders you at the mercy of the other person’s movements and decisions. To be yoked with someone leaves you without your own option or opinion. Everything that you do must be at the concession of the other individual and everything that you do must have the other person in compliance and presence.
The examples of being “yoked” are not many…marriage…church membership… voluntary involvement and commitment.
Paul teaches to therefore not be “yoked” with unbelievers. Paul does not mean to only hang around believers. Paul meant specifically to not be “yoked” with unbelievers. If we are “yoked” with unbelievers, we are giving up our freedom to worship, praise, serve and love God. Our relationship with God becomes “handcuffed”.
YOKED relationships need the added requirement that the person be as “yoked” as we are!
Otherwise, we are gonna get yanked and pulled to where we are not supposed to be…because of that YOKE!
