The Yoke of Men

Man puts many yokes upon his brother. The yokes from him are numerous: living up to expectations, fulfilling his own law, or even assuming God's specific call on his own life is his brother's (to name a few). These yokes are joy-killers. A man may be confident and at peace in his heart where God has him, whether it be a workplace, or a living area or a relationship. It is not uncommon for his brother to come along and place a yoke on him which God has not ordained to be taken up. There are times when this brother is sent to save us from destruction. However, there are also many instances when this brother comes in the flesh, and therefore reaps a fleshly-fruit of bondage and destroys a child-like joy in Christ. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1). "Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence" (Colossians 2:23). "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:29-30). Let the truth set you free. I encourage all to read these verses in context; not only taking my word for them.
Brother and sister, do not take upon a joy-killing yoke (one that kills Christ-exalting joy) that puts you into bondage to man and his will. Rather, be confident through reading God's Word what that joyful yoke is that Christ has laid upon you.