September 10, 2017 (Proverbs 29:27)

“An unjust man is an abomination to the just; and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked” (Prov 29:27). To continue discussion of last week’s proverb, one may consider Paul’s admonition in his second letter to the Corinthians: “Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? What communion has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).  We are being told by the apostle who writes under inspiration of the Holy Spirit that contrast between believers (just) and unbelievers (unjust) is as distinct as contrast between light and darkness. This helps explain why a certain measure of discomfort often exists for one committed to the lordship of Jesus Christ when in the company of unbelievers, no matter how moral and upright the lives of the latter appear to be by all natural appearances. The uneasiness experienced by the believer is internal at the level of one’s spirit, not at a level of one’s consciousness. What God is warning through Paul is the same warning given to Israel when they crossed the Jordan to enter the promised land. Keep away from heathens lest their ways become your ways, and their gods become your gods. Did the chosen people of God listen? Absolutely not! And do most professing Christians listen today if advised to separate from old friends who are non-believers? I’m afraid the answer is the same. God’s admonition in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians is ignored by  many after coming to a saving knowledge of Christ: “Therefore come out from among them, and be you separate says the Lord…and I will receive you. And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (6: 17,18). One who continues in close fellowship with unbelievers puts himself at risk of finding the pull of the world overcoming the best of intentions as took place for Demas, one of Paul’s coworkers in ministry (2 Timothy 4:10).