Burdened by Legalism

“Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? But rather give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you. But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.” LUKE 11:40-42

 

PONDER THIS

When I was a younger preacher, I used to be under such a burden, I didn't even want anybody to know I slept. Jesus slept in the back of a ship during a storm, but I felt like I had to be a little more holy than that. Somebody would call me at five in the morning, and I would pick up the phone and act like I had been wide awake. Jesus said to His disciples, “Come ye apart…and rest a while.” (See Mark 6:31.) If you think I'm speaking against a quiet time, I’m not. I am speaking against a legalistic burden.

You can do the same with Bible study. You should read the Bible. You should love the Bible, but you can get under such a burden about studying the Bible that you make a ritual out of Bible study. It becomes a legalistic thing. You think that if you can read so many chapters, you have somehow done your duty. A chapter a day keeps the devil away may be your mantra. Read the Bible, study the Bible, but don't become a fanatic in the wrong sense of the word. When we fall into legalism, we lose sight of the reality God has put around us, the people He has put before us, and the grace He requires of us as His followers.

What are the ways you have been legalistic in your faith? What are the areas where it is hard to extend grace?

Where are you hard on yourself in your faith? What are some things that make it hard to receive God’s grace?

PRACTICE THIS

Consider with a trusted friend ways you can help one another when you start to see legalism taking root.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers