LIVING FREE FROM LEGALISM
LIVING FREE FROM LEGALISM
By: Jack Guyler
Legalism is one of those things in life that is always nipping at our heels like a little puppy. It seems we are all drawn to wanting to put rules in place for ourselves and then wanting to make others follow them as well. Rules often bring us security, and imposing them on others make us feel better as we think we are controlling others. We do need boundaries and limits for our own safety. But the problem with legalism is that while we can often follow external rules (at least to some degree) and feel good about them, what often goes unchecked is our hearts. While doing the right things, we can lose our heart, and end up doing the right things for the wrong reasons with the wrong motives.
So the question is, how do we stay out of legalism given we are all so attracted to it? Here are
1. Always keep a check on your own heart. According to the bible, our hearts are the most vulnerable and precious aspects of us. They are precious because they are so tender and made in God’s image. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” We most feel and see God with our hearts. At the same time, our hearts are most vulnerable. We see this with children when they are exposed to harmful things too early or are forced to grow up before they should. We see this with people of all ages – their hearts get hurt, hardened and broken. This is why we must always guard our hearts. We need to make sure that we aren’t just doing the right thing toward God (attending church, reading the bible, praying, fasting, etc) or other people (saying the right words, giving gifts, being polite, etc), but that our hearts are remaining soft with forgiveness, love and acceptance so we don’t become bitter, judgmental or cynical while doing the right thing and following the rules
2. Take responsibility for yourself. When we are proactive, we will be less reactive. When we are proactive, we will focus on taking care of our own words, thoughts and actions. We will be less concerned about what others are doing or trying to control them or judge them. As we take responsibility for ourselves, we focus more on our actions and motives; and we focus less on others, meaning we won’t be blaming others for things that happen to us, we won’t be trying to control them so they don’t hurt or bother us, and we won’t be so vulnerable and become a victim to what others say and do. We often fall into legalism as a way to control others and protect ourselves
3. Direct others to the Word of God. Too many times we try to influence people through our “brand of Christianity”, our feelings or opinions. While there is always space for good teaching within the church, we need to help people to not become dependent upon us, but rather on what God says in his Word. Too many people will say, “I can’t understand the bible, just tell me what to do or think.” While this is an invitation to help people, the best help we can give them is to direct them to read God’s Word for themselves. We may be able to provide some tips to help them get started, but like most things in life, you get the most out of something when you have to dig it out for yourself. Don’t get trapped into spoon-feeding people, because you aren’t doing them any favor. In the end, they will only resent you because, though you meant well, they will end following your brand of Christianity rather than Christ for themselves. And they will become dependent on others rather than hearing from God themselves. Like with children, they need to be taught to eat and then feed themselves
4. Let God grow other people. Too many times we think it is our job to grow people up or make them mature. We end up using legalism to achieve this end. Our tendency is to have people follow rules that we follow. These rules or guides might even help us, but other people aren’t us. They are wired differently than we are. They are at a different point in their journey than we are. God has a different plan for their lives than us. As Paul says in Ephesians 4, we need to encourage others and build them up according to their needs. We don’t ever want to be a stumbling block to the spiritual growth of others. However, as the New Testament also says, while we may plant or water, growth always comes from the Lord. This is true whether it is our gardens or with other people. So be sure to take a gentle approach with others – encourage them, be a good listener, but be careful in telling people what to do or how to grow!
5. Probably the #1 way to stay out of legalism is to ask yourself the tough question – what is my motive? In other words, when doing almost anything, ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” The WHY question always cuts through rules, methods and the status quo. The more we ask ourselves on a regular basis the question, “What is my motive for doing this in my own life or wanting others to do something I think they should?” is a very powerful and life changing habit. And it is the very best way to stay free from legalism. This questions actually requires us to think and not just act instinctively or automatically. This question requires us to step out of our normal “selves” and think with self-awareness. And when these things happen, we will act with integrity and be the best version of ourselves. When we are the best version of who God created us to be – we will have no need for legalism in our lives nor to impose legalism on others
