READ: MATTHEW 11:28-30; 2 CORINTHIANS 6:1–7:4

One of the things I like most about autumn in New England is the county fairs. They have something for everyone. Blue ribbons for quilts and pies. Unusual poultry breeds and lop-eared bunnies. Giant pumpkins. Ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds, skateboarding, and live bands. Pigs racing for Oreo cookies. And food. Lots of food. Caramel apples and barbecued chicken and warm apple crisp.

But for me the most interesting part is the pulling contests. I can sit for hours watching farmers urge their teams of horses or oxen to pull increasingly heavy loads of concrete blocks. The team that pulls the heaviest load wins a prize. But mostly the honor. Some drivers use whips. Some only their voices. I always root for the gentle drivers.

I still remember one team years ago that was driven by a young teen. His oxen were a stunning pair. Perfectly matched in color and markings. They looked great together.

Then they started pulling.

It was immediately obvious that the ox on the left was much stronger than the one on the right. Instead of going straight to the end of the prescribed course, the team pulled to the left and out of bounds. With one more try to go, they somehow managed to cross the finish line. But the more weight was added, the faster they turned to the left. After a mere two or three rounds, they were disqualified.

They were unequally yoked.

The apostle Paul specifically warns Christians not to be unequally yoked. Does that mean you can’t have a lab partner who is not a Christian? Or play basketball with non-Christians on your team? Of course not! But if we’re partnering with someone for gospel work—serving others and proclaiming Christ—we should be equally yoked. And that includes dating and marriage. In these places, a Christian partner matters. But Jesus doesn’t leave us to make these decisions alone. Jesus loves us, and if we know Him, His Holy Spirit lives in us, giving us guidance and discernment about who to partner with as we do His work together. • Carol Raj

• Who are some gospel partners God has put in your life right now? How are you working together? What are some ways you can encourage and strengthen each other? (Hebrews 10:23-25)

Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship do righteousness and iniquity have? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 (WEB)