The destructive effect of sin cannot be underestimated. We shall be studying the life of two kingdoms as we examine the destructive effect of sin and un-equal yoke.  

  Text: 2 Kings Chapter 8-16 and 2 Chronicles chapter 21-28)  

  Indeed, the families of Jehoshaphat and Ahab was captured when it was recorded against Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat that “..he walked in the way of the house of Ahab, and did evil in the sight of the Lord, as did the house of Ahab; for he was the son-in-law of the house of Ahab” (2 Kings 8:27). The downward spiritual trend of the family of Jehoshaphat started when he joined himself with Ahab (2 chronicles 18:1,2). He would have been killed in battle with him against the Syrians, but God spared his life because of some godly traits found in him (2 Chronicles 19:1-32).  

  However, his son Jehoram had stronger affinity and even married the daughter of Ahab, a sin which ultimately led to his untimely death. Divine judgment led to the destruction of the family of Ahab and his affiliates.  

  God is not happy when His Children associates intimately with unbelievers or backsliders. The effect is damning; hence the scripture warns: “Neither shalt thou make marriage with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly” (Deuteronomy 7:3,4). Both families of Ahab and Jehoshaphat were judged by the Lord for their sin.   

  Unequal yoke with unbelievers manifests in ungodly friendships, business transactions, marriages, family ties between believing parents and unbelieving parents and worship styles. As children of God, we must ensure that we avoid every relationship capable of ruining our faith and bringing us under the judgment of God. Believers who disobey the word of God by engaging in intimate relationship with sinners stand the risk of divine wrath.  

  Possible consequences of unequal yoke

  The following are some of the consequences of unequal yoke:  

•  Unequal yoke with unbelievers results in loss of God’s favour and presence (Joshua 7:12) 
• Departure of His glory from the individual (1 Samuel 4:21, 22) 
•  Decline in one’s spiritual life 
• Fruitlessness in life and ministry 
•  Unanswered prayers (Isaiah 59:1, 2) 
•  Untimely death and eternal punishment in hell if there is no repentance.  

  In other word to avoid the negative and damnable consequences of compromise and unequal yoke, every believer should have strong conviction in the word of God. The scripture must be our basis of non-conformity with the word.  

  Secondly, we must be rooted and grounded in the word of truth.  

  Thirdly, there must be personal and conscious commitment to obeying the word of God (Acts 5:29).  

  Fourth, we should avoid intimate relationships (whether in marriage, business or friendship) capable of ensnaring us into bondage with unbelievers,  

  Fifth, we should earnestly contend for the faith (Jude 3)  

  May God bless his word in our Heart and may it bear fruits in Jesus Name.

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Reference: Search The Scripture