Empty Handed
A legalist can crush someone’s faith so easily by demanding they meet arbitrary standards that the legalist doesn’t even meet. In our pride, we like to think we bring something to salvation and the keeping of our faith, but we don't. We bring nothing. Empty-handed, we come to the cross of Jesus Christ and can't do a single thing to earn salvation, God’s love, approval, or favor. We have no part in it other than accepting the gift. We are empty-handed and far removed from God's holiness, but that's the point of the cross and the resurrection.
In case legalists forget, it’s too late to uphold the law.
God loves you and makes salvation and reconciliation possible through His Son. No amount of spiritual effort, discipline, or striving will earn you more of God's love and acceptance. You cannot make yourself clean. As a Christian, of course you desire to please God but no matter how well you do that, or how poorly, His love and acceptance of you won’t ever change because of Jesus. Praise God!
The little legalist in all of us wants to prove themselves worthy. We want to show commitment to the church and believe this proves our faithfulness to God. This striving to earn and keep is part of the war between flesh and spirit and our sanctification experience. How many hours each week you serve at church will never make you a better or worse Christian. Waking earlier than anyone else in your home to read your Bible doesn't make you more sanctified. Giving more financially can't secure you a place in the kingdom. And bragging about what you've done just makes you seem small.
Those attempts are misguided. We should read our Bibles because those words are life-giving and it is through them we learn more about our relationship with Jesus. But, this ever-growing list of rules and regulations designed to create behavior modification and more perfect Christians, is a legalistic rat race, but that's not a race anyone needs to run.
How many ways can the church leaders get you to serve the church every week?
How many meetings and groups can they compel you into joining?
How much can be learned about your personal life to help you remain in holiness?
Of course, they say there must be accountability in all these things. That shows your level of commitment to the church and, most notably, to Christ. Are you a committed Christian, or are you a lazy one? How holy do you want to be? Christ is holy, and getting as close to that level of perfection should be your goal if you are serious about your faith.
What a deception that is.
Working on, striving in, and maintaining your faith are draining on your mental, physical, and emotional self, not to mention your wallet. The legalistic church requires more and more from you to prove you are acceptable to God, placing heavy burdens on your shoulders. It’s a weight we need not bear. Spiritual disciplines are encouraged to prod you onto a closer walk with Jesus and ultimately your goal should be to keep your salvation secure because you’re a better, more committed Christian.
How offensive.
You can’t get more of Jesus by doing anything. He lives inside you, Christian, and you can not get any closer than that. He won’t leave you no matter what you do or don’t do. Of course, reading your Bible, prayer, and gathering together with other believers, all help you strengthen your life of faith. But none of these things makes you more loved and accepted by God.
These spiritual practices can enrich your life and you will benefit from learning more about the One who paid the price God demanded for you to be reconciled to Him. It truly is a loving relationship, and the more you understand you can never be more loved, accepted, and forgiven by Him than you are right now, it will make you that much more grateful and lead you to sharing this good news with others.
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