Oxen and Donkeys

I'm reading the Bible in one year and the Old Testament reading for April 14 is Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30.

"Do not plant two kinds of seed in your vineyard; if you do, not only the crops you plant but also the fruit of the vineyard will be defiled. Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together. Do not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together." - Deuteronomy 22:9-11 (NIV)

The ESV Study Bible notes that these laws prohibit mixing various items, reflecting God's ordering of creation "according to its kind" (eg. Genesis 1:25). They also reminded Israelites that God had separated them from other peoples to be distinct and holy (Deuteronomy 14:2).

If we should not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together, how much more should we not be unequally yoked in a relationship!

Do Not Be Yoked With Unbelievers

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 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."

""Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."" - 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NIV)

Again, being with another Christian is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for a relationship to be according to the will of God. In other words, there is more to being in a relationship than merely being with another Christian.

Link: Housemates, Relationships and the Will of God (18 Jan 10)