Lack of understanding and prioritising these requirements is a major problem that can shorten the life span of every marriage. The problem of unequal yoking has kept a lot of marriages in the struggling phase for a very long time. Some marriage divorce in their struggling phase why others are managing a marriage that cannot thrive any more. "Can two people walk together if they don't agree" Amos 3:3. Faith based agreement is the most important thing for being united, especially in marriage. I am making emphasis on marriage though this cuts across values and virtues. A person who has been born again puts Christ at the centre of their life. A partner who does not share this belief base may not support your spiritual growth or Christian values. it is your ability to put God first in your decisions that confirms your love for Jesus.
2.How it affects children upbringing.
Having different beliefs can make parenting harder or cause problems . This children gets confused on how to align their life when both parents model different beliefs . Some may decide to follow one parent or decide to be neutral because they do not know what to believe.
3. Fulfilment of your Purpose and Calling:
God leads believer’s life according to the bible book of John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me, 27 -my sheep hears my voice ,and I know them, and they know me”. A spouse who does not believe may not understand or agree with this calling and will frustrate you because he /she has nothing spiritually to contribute nor provide spiritual leadership. You depending on outsiders to fulfil this calling can destroy your marriage and happiness.
4. Your loyalty to God
The metaphor of a yoke, which is two often pulling together, is used in this passage to show how a believer’s marriage to a non-believer can cause spiritual imbalance.
God respects all authority , therefore he wants the wife to be loyal to her own husband even before him. The bible in the book of Corinthians 11:3 said that God is the head of the man, Man is the head of the woman. In Numbers 30:3-16, if a woman makes a vow and her husband canciles it, it will not stand............ God respects authority. In a situation where your spouse is not a believe in what you believe: Invariably, he believes or he is submitted to something else that he takes instruction from and you will be expected to obey what he obeys for peace to reign in your home. God will not kill or punish him because God does not have the right over him or her. That is why sometimes it seems as if God did not respond to the prayer of those who called victim on such circumstances. we have the right to choose who ever we wish, God respects our will.The only thing God does is to present life or death before us to choose. our choices tells how much we honour god . And the sure thing is that we will all face the consequences of our choices.
5. The bible in the book of 2 Corinthians 6: 14-15
“Don’t be unequally yoked with people who don’t believe.” What does it mean for righteousness to be with lawlessness? Or what does light have to do with darkness? who is not loyal to God.
Marrying someone who does not believe in God is against God’s Word and can cause long-term spiritual problems. Instead of pulling the unbeliever toward faith, the believer may be pulled away from obedience to God because they owe loyalty to each other. Secondly, the spiritual burden of the family and relationship will be one sided which can weigh one person down. Conversion, is a work done by the Holy Spirit, not something a spouse can make happen by loving or influencing them.
Conclusion
There is no guarantee of conversion after marriage. Thinking that you will change or try to change a spouse spiritually is dangerous and not supported by the Bible.Marriage is more than just a strong emotional bond; it’s a spiritual bond as well. For people who have been born again, it is not only smart to choose a spouse who shares their faith, it is also the right thing to do. Even though love may seem strong, you should pray, seek counsel from wise couple who are married over ten years.
Other guildlines will be found in my upcoming book “FAILING TO SUSTAIN LOVE?’
Tagged Choosing a husband & wife, choosing a life partner, dating, Family Affairs mentorship initiative, Married, Relationship advice, Singles
