Sunday 17 Nov 2019

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November 17: 2 Corinthians 6:14-15

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 6:14
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

Devotion:
When the Israelites were making their way out from the oppression of the Egyptians, they were warned not to mix in with the indigenous people of the land they were going through and to. God knew what kind of people occupied the land and did not want the Israelites to become like them. We all like to try and fit into the communities we go into so we can become friends with the locals, but in doing so we are opening ourselves to the same temptations the local people may be giving in to.

God wants us to lead righteous lives and gives us the guidance we need to do so. If the local people do not know God, they will not be listening to Him and receiving that guidance we may be receiving from God. Does this mean we have to stick to ourselves and never mix with non-believers? Certainly not – how are they ever going to hear about God and get to know Him unless someone is willing to teach them?

The biggest problem we have when mixing with non-believers is falling into the same temptations they give in to and living the same lifestyle they live. The ways of mankind are very different to the ways of God! What they find acceptable may not be acceptable for God and we are likely to be drawn into those ways just because we want to get to know them better and fitting in always seems to be a good way of starting to know them.

We need to be able to stand firm in God’s word and allow God’s light to shine through us. We don’t have any reason to go with the evil ways of the devil, but we do need to show people the difference between good and bad by showing them we are willing to introduce them to God; the God who is the source of our strength and the one who gives us hope in all ways.

Points to Ponder:
Do you go and mix in with the wrong people?

Are you willing to invite them in to see a different way of life?