II Cor. 6:14….”Don’t be unequally yoked together”

The word here for unequally is a word that’s root means “imbalance” The idea is something like the scales of justice. The message is don’t get in a relationship with someone who shares differing values  in a manner that you are the "influencee" and they are the influencer.

I think there are few wars worth fighting with pre-teens and teens but a fight over influences and friends in their lives is one worth fighting and winning. Let’s be very alert and watchful over the influences in our lives. And we are to take our task as influencers seriously.

The above Bible reference is often used to espouse Christian segregation from those outside Christ. This isn’t the point here. The point is don’t be influenced in imbalanced situations but deal with the situation.

There are two ways to handle a bad connection that is influencing you the wrong direction:

   1. Flee – run – "Get outa Dodge."
   2. Turn it around by becoming the influencer.

What out for Christian snobbery!  I have recently been growing in agony over hearing people describing someone by saying, “They are a Christian.”   Sometimes such a reference is made toward a movie star, athlete, teacher or some other individual. You are not necessarily the best influence in my life just because you are a Christian. Nor are unbelievers necessarily unable to influence us in ways honorable to God.