Walking Wisely

By Jeff Arnette     The Bible is very clear that believers are not to turn to unbelievers for advice or form binding relationships with them, such as in personal or business partnerships. This principle is outlined in 2 Corinthians 6:14, which says, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” Psalm 1:1 reinforces this point: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.”     However, this does not mean that we are to completely avoid unbelievers. We are called to reach out to them and show love and compassion just as Jesus did. Matthew 9:10-13 shows us Jesus spending time with those who did not believe, setting a powerful example for us: “And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ But when he heard it, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’”     Unfortunately, many people use Psalm 1:1 and similar passages to argue that we should entirely avoid non-believers but doing so would contradict Jesus’ teachings. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands us: “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'” Similarly, Mark 16:16 says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”     Psalm 1:1 and similar scriptures say is that we are not to seek advice from unbelievers, form close personal relationships, or marry them. Why would we seek guidance from someone who isn’t walking the same spiritual path? Unbelievers do not prioritize what God says, which can lead to conflicting values. Even in marriage, being with an unbeliever can lead to significant problems because the very foundation of love for Jesus is missing on their part. By adhering to the word of God, we can save ourselves from many heartaches and struggles.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/