Why It Matters //
The things and people we attach ourselves to largely affects how (and if) we grow and mature as believers. Since followers of Christ are called to be holy and “set apart,” our closest friendships and relationships should be with those who can truly encourage us in this way--towards Christ. It’s important to entrust ourselves to people we know will help shape us to be even MORE Christlike, not less. Of course we are never called to remove ourselves from the world we live in. We should always have relationships with people who do not follow Christ, but it’s wise that those with influence in our lives share the same core values.
What It’s Talking About //
The Apostle Paul wrote these second series of letters to the church in Corinth to further instruct them in the faith, calling them to stand firm and be obedient in their walks with Christ. In this particular passage, Paul addresses the issue of believers being in relationship with non-believers, and explains why/how it conflicts with their relationship with God. In his eyes, being pure and honoring to God also means being wise about who we spend time with--whom we attach ourselves to.
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 NIV
14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
17 Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”
18 And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
1 Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.