Having grown up in the US, I was taught that sticking to one's religion was narrow-minded. So, I was greatly vexed for a while when introduced to the idea of an unequal yoke. You can laugh at my word "vexed"; I  hope you do! But the verse isn't recommending a hardened and prejudicial approach to others.

When it comes to significant bonds with other people, those I let get close should be link-minded in values. I know this verse is often applied to romantic relationships, and it should be. I think it can apply to other relationships, as long as we don't become isolated. After-all, Jesus was a friend to sinners. He gave up His life for everyone. 

In the romantic area of life, it makes sense. If my commitment to Christ is that of a deep and intimate relationship, one that makes Him my "leader", I'm best off with a guy who shares that. Right? Someone who won't see Jesus as competition or a threat. Rather, the best choice is a man who wants me to be closer to Christ and will do what he can toward that end. And I would need to do the same for him.

I invite comment to this. Please, feel free to share your experiences, insights or whatever!! This is all theoretical to me. 

Beyond that basic thing, not every Christian guy is a good choice. (The older I get, the fewer choices are available; tee hee!) I think that the level of commitment is important, too. Plus, God leads each Christian in a unique life path, and if I find that my life's direction and a Christian guy's direction are at odds if we were to be "yoked together", he and I probably aren't a good pair.

I heard a song on a local Christian station over the weekend. It talked about "guarding one's heart" another idea that's foreign to me, but I think I'm learning how it may apply in my life. One line of the song was:

"Don't give your heart away until God says it's okay."

It was hip-hop/rap, but I don't know who the artist was. I wish I could find it. I'm going to keep looking.

Most important in this is honoring/valuing God above everyone else. In turn, I think He says that is how we come to honoring and valuing ourselves. The graphic below talks about the value of a "good" woman; anyone know of similar verses about a "good" man? 

glitter-graphics.com

I've got the garden part!!! ((Grin))