Aren't rules legalistic?

We've all had rules to follow. Whether at home, work, or school, they seem to be everywhere. As Christians, we understand the importance of those rules; they are there for our protection. What fun would a game be to watch or play in if there were no rules? Not very! 

Yet somehow, when it comes to spiritual things or even just life, we tend to call it legalism. Why? 

1. "Spiritual disciplines don't bring me any closer to Jesus."

This statement has an element of truth to it. However, what we associate with we tend to become. Jesus said, "...by their fruits ye shall know them." -Matthew 7:20. 

When you are around someone long enough, you start to pick up little things about them. Pretty soon, you start thinking the same things and sometimes can finish each other's sentences. It's the same way with our relationship with Jesus; doing things for Him doesn't make us any more spiritual, but as we get to know Him better, we will start to notice the behaviors He likes and doesn't like. We change BECAUSE  we love Him, not TO love Him.

2. "Rules just restrict my freedom in Christ."

Many years ago, I visited the Grand Canyon and saw the magnificent beauty of God's creation. However, when we got there, I noticed to my horror that there were no guardrails to protect us from falling thousands of feet to sure death. Well, I did get a few pictures, but I sighed a huge breath of relief when we left. Why? There was nothing to keep me from falling, and so I couldn't enjoy the view very well. God's rules, the ones in His Word, aren't there to keep us from having fun; they are there to allow us to enjoy life without wondering about every step.

3. "This isn't sin, so I'm good to go"

In a few years we will have another Olympic games. Even now there are athletes that are training for those games. They are working hard, restricting their activities and food. Why? To give them all the advantage they can. Paul said, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." -1 Corinthians 9:24

Sometimes we have to give up things, even good things, to live the victorious life God intends for us. That could look different for each person and we shouldn't look at others and judge their walk with God based on our own standards. And even those things which are clearly in scripture we must be prayerful in how we approach others. 

The enemy of the best is often not bad, it's simply the good.

Join me as we together seek to look at our lives through the eyes of our Father and His purpose for how we live our lives for Him.