From
The Handbook of Bible Application Dr. Bruce B. Barton
How should Christians relate with unbelievers?
BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 8:1-22
KEY BIBLE VERSE: But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” (1 Samuel 8:19 , niv)
God does not want us to be imitators of those who don’t believe. Israel was called to be a holy nation, separate from and unique among all others (Leviticus 20:26 ). The Israelites’ motive in asking for a king was to be like the nations around them. This was in total opposition to God’s original plan. It was not their desire for a king that was wrong, but their reasons for wanting a king.
There should be a significant difference between our life and that of an unbeliever. Often we let others’ values and actions dictate our attitudes and behavior. Have you ever made a wrong choice because you wanted to be like everyone else? Be careful that the values of your friends or “heroes” don’t pull you away from what God says is right. When God’s people want to be like unbelievers, they are heading for spiritual disaster.
BIBLE READING: Psalm 26:1-12
KEY BIBLE VERSE: I hate the sinners’ hangouts and refuse to enter them. (Psalm 26:5 , tlb)
There should be significant, caring contact—but not imitation. Should we stay away from unbelievers? No. Although there are some places Christians should avoid, Jesus demonstrated that we must go among unbelievers to help them. But there is a difference between being with unbelievers and being one of them. Trying to be one of them harms our witness for God. Ask yourself this question about the people you enjoy: If I am with them often, will I become less obedient to God in outlook or action? If the answer is yes, carefully monitor how you spend your time with these people and what effect it has on you.
BIBLE READING: John 17:6-19
KEY BIBLE VERSE: As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. (John 17:18 , tlb)
We should remember that we have a mission among unbelievers. Jesus didn’t ask God to take believers out of the world but instead to use them in the world. Because Jesus sends us into the world, we should not try to escape from the world, nor should we avoid all relationships with non-Christians. We are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16 ), and we are to do the work that God sent us to do.
BIBLE READING: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Don’t be teamed with those who do not love the Lord, for what do the people of God have in common with the people of sin? How can light live with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14 , tlb)
We should avoid situations that could force us to compromise. Paul urges believers not to form binding relationships with nonbelievers, because this might weaken their Christian commitment, integrity, or standards. It would be a mismatch. Earlier, Paul had explained that this did not mean isolating oneself from nonbelievers (see 1 Corinthians 5:9-10 ). Paul even tells Christians to stay with their nonbelieving spouses (1 Corinthians 7:12-13 ). Paul wants believers to be active in their witness for Christ to nonbelievers, but they should not lock themselves into personal or business relationships that could cause them to compromise their faith.
Paul does not forbid all contact with unbelievers. Jesus taught his followers to befriend sinners and lead them to him (Luke 5:30-32 ). He does, however, speak against condoning the life-style of people who make excuses for bad behavior and recommend its practice to others—whether they are in the church or outside of it (Ephesians 5:1-20 ). Such people can quickly pollute the church and endanger its unity and purpose. We must befriend unbelievers if we are to lead them to Christ, but we must be wary of those who are viciously evil, immoral, or opposed to all that Christianity stands for. Such people are more likely to influence us for evil than we are likely to influence them for good.
