The importance of theology

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. — 2 Corinthians 6:14

When looking for a new car, potential buyers look at more than the exterior styling. They check out the inner workings that make it run smoothly and efficiently.

When choosing a spouse, however, some are not so careful. They discover too late that a beautiful body is camouflaging a defective mind and soul. Men and women both make this mistake, but author Carolyn Custis James was specifically concerned about men when she wrote: “[A] woman’s interest in theology ought to be the first thing to catch a man’s eye . . . [Her] theology suddenly matters when a man is facing a crisis and she is the only one around to offer encouragement.”

Solomon should have known this. He was, after all, the wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 3:12; 4:29-34). But Solomon followed his own desires rather than God’s command and married women whose allegiance was not to God (11:1-2). The results were disastrous. Solomon’s wives turned his heart toward other gods (vv. 3-4), and God became angry with him (v. 9). The kingdom of Israel was eventually divided and defeated (vv. 11-13).

Good theology is important for everyone. And it is difficult to make good decisions if our allegiance is to someone who does not know and love God.  — Julie Ackerman Link

Thinking it over

Why is it unwise for a follower of Christ to marry an unbeliever? What advice does Peter give to wives of unbelieving husbands? (see 1 Peter 3:1).

READ: 1 Kings 11:4-13

Faulty beliefs about God lead to faulty decisions about people.

The Bible in one year:

• Psalm 119:89-176

• 1 Corinthians 8