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By Devin
I recently came across an article in the publication, “Christianity: Then & Now ”, that I thought was very insightful. The author, John Waddey, has an interesting take on what he calls “The Failures of Legalism ”. As we are to soon close out our Wednesday night study on Paul's letter to the church at Galatia, I thought a few points from this article might fit right in with the Apostle's concerns for the church he had planted.
*Legalism fails to appreciate and respect our freedom in Christ (Gal. 5:1). No man has the right to rob us of this freedom. We are free to serve God according to His revealed Word without harassment from others.
*It fails to respect Christ as the only lawgiver and judge for His church (Jas. 4:12). Thus Paul asks, “Who art thou that judges the servant another? To his own lord he standeth or falleth” (Rom. 14:4).
*Legalism is generally void of the brotherly spirit Christ expects of his disciples (1 Pet. 2:17). Bitterness toward non-conforming Christians is a common trait among legalists.
*Many legalists are arrogant toward brethren who do not accept their conclusions (Prov. 8:12-13). They view and treat them with contempt and declare them unworthy disciples.
*Legalism tends to be heartless toward those not within its circle of friends. The kindness and helpfulness of many legalists are limited to their tribe. Christ's way is to do good to all men (Gal. 6:10).
*Legalism is often divisive. Congregations shattered by legalistic preachers and elders are legion.
*Legalists tend to be myopic, concentrating on minutia rather than the larger program of Christ.
*They tend to spend much time examining the faith and practices of others rather then tending to the flock of God that is among them (1 Pet. 5:2).
*Legalists are often found to be negative, more concerned with “thou shalt nots” than with “thou shalts”.
*They are often found to be pessimistic rather than optimistic and triumphal.
*Legalism tends to paralyze faith. They are like the unfaithful steward who, afraid to act decisively, hid his Master's possession in the ground. Remember that steward was condemned (Matt. 25:25-26).
*Many legalists see their mission to be to keep sinners out of the kingdom and to purge out imperfect disciples who are not compliant with their standards. They think by so doing, they are doing a service for Christ who said preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15) and, in the Parable of the Tares, told over-zealous workers that he would see to the weeding out of the tares (Matt. 13:25-41).
Mr. Waddey goes on to say “A wise man knows that neither an individual, a congregation, nor the brotherhood will prosper as they should if the spirit of legalism prevails in them”. I have only one more word that I can add to the many words of Mr. Waddey ..... AMEN.
Go the extra mile - Devin
The above text is the Viewpoint from the bulletin front page dated 3/9/2010
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