Do you have any relationships in your life right now that are wrong?  When we harbor wrong relationships, we invite disaster in our lives.

In 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 we are told: "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?" 

That is a very clear biblical principle by which we make decisions about whom we are in partnership with, and marriage is certainly a partnership. The two shall become one, the Bible says, when two people are married. Therefore, it is extremely important that you never even consider marrying someone who is not a believer. You will not have the close, intimate marriage you desire. And if you think you can win that person to the Lord after marriage, think again. It rarely happens that way.

A good friend of mine married a man many years ago, and she knew he was not a believer. But she really thought that once they were married, she could influence him to accept Jesus. Years later she was still living with an unbeliever, and she forfeited the kind of marriage she really wanted because she disobeyed this clear biblical directive.

Now, for those of you who are already in that position, or perhaps you became a believer after marriage and your mate has not yet, don't ever give up hope and keep praying that your mate will accept the Lord. You can be an influence to bring that mate to Christ. But be sure that you don't allow your non-believing mate to cause you to compromise your commitment to Jesus.

If you still looking for a mate, there is a lot of discussion as to whether a Christian should date a non-Christian. You can argue that dating someone is not the same as being yoked with them, but it's step one toward it. Quite frankly, I wouldn't run any risks in this area, because once you fall for someone, you will start rationalizing and justifying that relationship. Often single people have said to me, "Well, he doesn't believe just like I do, but he believes in God."  That's not enough, folks! That person you marry needs to not only be born again but share your commitment to the lordship of Jesus Christ.