In this chapter Paul challenges us to be careful that we provide no offense in any way shape or form to those in the world. He progresses through the chapter in a very interesting fashion. In verses 4 to 5 he discusses the possible negative pushback from the world. Among that list is the word patience. We can understand other words such as afflictions, and stresses, and imprisonment. Those are certainly difficult to experience for any reason. But why is the word patience mixed in among all those hardships? The answer is simple for anyone who has had to be patient. It is not easy; it is also very difficult to wait and wait.
Then in verses 5 through 10 Paul presents contrasting experiences such as sorrow and rejoicing. All in all, this is a well-rounded picture of the believer who must be wise in his conduct and attitude. From these verses we read further to two possibilities as we interact with the world’s social network. Verses 14 and 15 are often misapplied saying that we should not marry unbelievers. Even though this is true, if you read closer, the application is further explained that those who do not know Christ should not be our best friend. We must not have significant fellowship with them, share activities, or be in contact with those that could affect our thinking. He justifies his statement in verse 16 by reminding us that unbelievers attend places of idol worship, but we are quite different because our temple is our body where the Holy Spirit dwells.
Again, versus 17 and 18 are misapplied to the Christian life. What does it mean if we are to come out from among them and be separate? Some people interpret that to mean they should dress differently or exclude themselves from those who are not like themselves. This kind of exclusion hampers the potential to witness to people for Christ. To come out from among them certainly applied to pagans who attend their own temples, offer animal sacrifices, engage in prostitution, and worship false gods.
To be separate is to withdraw from any potential that is contrary to the mind of God. It is impossible for God to bless us if we are involved in an immoral universe. He is hampered to bless his children if they are living the kind of life that is in compromise or in agreement with evil. When a mother’s child has run away from home, it is impossible for her to provide a delicious meal with the child being absent. This is the same with God. By being friends with the immorality of the world, the crooked thinking of the world, the compromises of the world, God cannot bless that person. Our duty is to be separate from any type of evil whether it be by desire or motive or action. This also includes allowing ourselves to be influenced by false teachers or spiritually ignorant friends. That is why verse 14 is supportive of this principle that we should not be unequally yoked to anyone that can harm our spiritual standing with God. This verse is not saying that we should be separate from any form of contact with those of the world because that’s virtually impossible. It is possible for us to be separated from those who would expect us to support them in their lifestyle. We cannot conform to anyone’s expectations for behavior that is contrary to what would please God. From those of the world that are separated from us under these terms, we can enjoy fellowship with God who would manifest himself as our Father because our communion and worship is unhindered. It is then that we can become successful as his children.
Christian Writer 