Legalism 
By Mike Rule

When was the last time you heard someone actually admit to being a legalist? We have attended a variety of churches over the years and one thing I find pervasive is that everybody is against "the legalists." Interestingly, even in the most legalistic churches people speak against the legalists. I’ve come to the conclusion that we believe legalists are "out there," but it is rare to consider ourselves as such.

Recently the Lord made it clear to me that we do not set out to be legalistic. We seldom even realize we are. I’m not only talking about those who are teaching law. Some of us are just as legalistic about grace and have NO tolerance for those who are caught up in a "works" oriented Christianity. Have you had the revelation of your legalism? Most Christians say they are not legalistic, but just because you cannot see it does not mean it isn’t there. The fact that we can see it in others proves WE are legalistic.

¹"Judge not, that you be not judged. ²"For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. ³"And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? ⁴"Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? ⁵"Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7:1-5)

It is only by recognizing and admitting our own legalism that we can be free of legalism. This frees us to turn to Jesus in faith that He will heal what He reveals about us. We recognize our helpless condition and experientially know that apart from Him we can do nothing, especially when it comes to loving others regardless of their spiritual condition. As He frees us, we are free indeed.