2nd Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
This passage of scripture is often misconstrued by many to mean that God does not want us to interact with unbelievers, but this is definitely not the case, for God loves the sinner, and makes deliberate efforts to save as many as would be saved. However God is very practical and down to earth in His instructions to us, and therefore, the issue He is addressing here has to do with compatibility, instead of character. There are unbelievers with excellent characters, who are honest, hard working, devoted and kind, yet when it comes to their belief system, and the Christian's way of life, there is a world of difference.
It is good and wise when contemplating marriage to have as few differences between the two, so that the occasions of being at odds can be kept to a minimum. However there is something very important which must be considered also and that's the issue of change, as it may occur in individuals from time to time. When two people who are not Christians tie the knot, they usually become more set in their old ways and habits, for it is often the case that a person's early training gets strengthened and confirmed as one grows older, and it was from this scientific observation of human nature, that the following proverb was formed which says "You can't teach an old dog new tricks". However, if two persons are in Christ, the potential for positive change is always there, for the Bible says, "If any man be in Christ he is a new creature: old things are past away, behold all things are become new".
This is one of the reasons why the Lord cautions us not to unite ourselves in matrimony with those who are not of the same belief system, for there would be instances in the marriage when irreconcilable differences may arise. After king Ahab had united his interests with Jezebel, who was the daughter of a pagan priest, the issue of when and how to worship God became a stumbling block, which ultimately cost both of them their lives. Jezebel who had been trained in pagan rites and customs, insisted on worshiping idols and graven images, while Ahab made feeble efforts to worship God according to the scriptural stipulations, but because his wife was more strong-willed than himself, her idolatry gained the preeminence, while the true worship of God was left in the dust. Let's read:
1st Kings 21:25 But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. 26 And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel.
This issue of compatibility in worship is much more difficult to reconcile, for it has to do with what a person believes, and the Bible says "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he". We can possibly come to agreement on food, clothing, and shelter, and we may even call a truce on entertainment weight-loss and exercise, but when it comes to one's religion, finding common ground is like pulling teeth, for our beliefs are often deeply etched into our consciences from our youth, and because of this we are less likely to surrender our most cherished creeds, even for the sake of peace. The fight now taking place in Iraq has to do with differences in religious beliefs, and throughout secular and sacred history, the fiercest battles have been fought over religion.
That's why the Lord is saying to us that prevention is better than cure, and rather than put ourselves in a life-long situation where our troubles never end, we should rather wait for God's guidance, so that we can be united with someone who shares the same beliefs and moral values as we do, for it would make for a more successful marriage, and whenever issues arise, we can call upon the same familiar God for resolution. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which cautions us to submit all our ways unto the Lord so that He may guide us with wisdom and discretion, in all the ways of His choosing. Let's read:
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
May the Lord guide us continually in all of our decision-making processes, for God knows what is best for His children. God bless!