"And God says, 'I'm gonna turn it into something different. I'm gonna turn it into something good. I'm gonna take all the broken pieces and make something beautiful like only I could.' So put it all int he hands of the Father. Give it up; give it all over to the only One Who can turn it into something beautiful" These lyrics from Steven Curtis Chapman's "Something Beautiful" remind us to turn our problems, cares, and concerns over to God, Who can turn them into a masterpiece! Chapman goes further to sing, from God's point of view, "'When I get through, you're gonna be amazed!'"
2 Corinthians 6:14 says, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" (NIV)
Maxwell's message for tonight brings to light that the concept of being unequally yoked can apply to more than just marriage. While that may be the primary purpose of that verse, it can also be applied to other relationships. As Maxwell points out, unequal yoking in partnerships can cause serious problems, including unequal values, disagreement on the goal, compromising convictions, selfish demands of surrender from one party to the other, and a win-lose scenario.
He notes that, "Good partnerships do not foster co-dependence or independence, but interdependence." Codependency causes the encouragement of unhealthy or harmful behavior. Independence results in each person working solo, not together as a team. Rather than allowing those circumstances to ensue, foster an environment that encourages interdependence, where each party is mutually dependent on the other. (See Google definitions for each term.)
When choosing a partner for such things as projects, assignments, or other activities, make sure the work is evenly distributed. The concept of synergy, which Maxwell alludes to, is that the input of multiple parties is greater than the sum of the contributions. Rather, it has a multiplying effect, as Maxwell points out.
Aim for partnerships that will create synergy leading to great output rather than those that have inherent problems resulting in mutual destruction.
Father, please help us to stay away from relationships in which we are unequally yoked. Help us to engage in partnerships where both parties benefit and work well together. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen!
God bless you!
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