Scripture Reference: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?”
2 Corinthians 6:14
“I’ll Bring Him to Christ After We Get Married”
Many years ago, a young Christian woman sought the counsel of the renowned preacher, Charles Spurgeon.
She explained that she intended to marry a man who had no commitment to Christ. He neither attended church nor professed faith in Jesus.
As any faithful pastor would, Spurgeon gently pointed her to the words of Scripture:
«”Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.”
2 Corinthians 6:14»
But the young woman was convinced she had a different outcome in mind.
She confidently replied, “Once we’re married, I’ll influence him. I’ll lift him spiritually.”
Spurgeon didn’t argue.
Instead, he invited her to participate in a simple demonstration.
A Lesson She Would Never Forget
Spurgeon asked the young woman to stand on a sturdy chair.
Once she was standing above him, he said,
“Now, try to pull me up onto the chair.”
She pulled with all her strength.
Nothing happened.
Then Spurgeon smiled and said,
“Now let me try.”
Within moments, he gently but easily pulled her down from the chair.
Looking at her, he simply said,
“That is what will happen if you marry that man. You are far more likely to be pulled down than he is to be pulled up.”
It was a simple illustration.
But it communicated a profound spiritual truth.
Understanding the Unequal Yoke
Paul’s instruction in 2 Corinthians is not about superiority.
It is about direction.
In the ancient world, two animals were yoked together to plough a field.
If one animal was stronger than the other, or if they differed in nature, size, or temperament, the work became difficult and ineffective.
One would constantly pull against the other.
The yoke became a burden instead of a blessing.
The same principle applies spiritually.
Marriage is more than shared affection.
It is shared direction.
When one person is pursuing Christ while the other is pursuing a different kingdom, conflict is inevitable.
Different values.
Different priorities.
Different convictions.
Different destinations.
Love alone cannot overcome opposing spiritual foundations.
More Than Marriage
Although Paul certainly addresses marriage, the principle reaches beyond it.
Every significant relationship influences us.
Friendships.
Business partnerships.
Close associations.
Mentors.
Those we continually walk with will eventually shape the direction of our lives.
Scripture repeatedly reminds us that influence is powerful.
The people closest to us will either strengthen our walk with God or slowly weaken it.
No one remains unaffected.
Be Careful Who Shares Your Journey
Many people enter relationships believing they will change the other person.
Sometimes God, in His mercy, does transform hearts.
But entering a relationship based on the hope that someone will eventually become who they are not today is not the wisdom of Scripture.
God never asks us to build our future on wishful thinking.
He calls us to walk in wisdom.
Choose relationships that strengthen your faith.
Choose friendships that sharpen your devotion to Christ.
Choose companions who make obedience easier, not harder.
Because the people who share your journey will often shape your destination.
A Final Thought
An unequal yoke is rarely obvious at the beginning.
Affection can hide incompatibility.
Chemistry can distract from conviction.
But time eventually reveals what emotions often conceal.
The question is not simply, “Do we love each other?”
The deeper question is, “Are we walking in the same direction toward Christ?”
For where there is no shared spiritual direction, there will eventually be spiritual tension.
Walk with people who help you love Jesus more, not less.
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Written by Olayinka Victor
Pastor, Bible Teacher, and Kingdom Communicator