Legalism Rejected

As I sit down to write this morning, I'm struck by many thoughts going in a thousand directions, so it seems. I'm contemplating a devotional thought I just read during my quiet time. God revealed something to me a few minutes ago. I think they are tied together.

I'm reading a devotional book I picked up at Lifeway Christian Stores. It's called Holiness Day by Day by Jerry Bridges. I've never read any of Bridges' books, but judging from this devotional, they're probably pretty spectacular. Today's entry was on Romans 3:12. I'm very familiar with this passage. Yet, God hit me with something new for the journey. Bridges describes how everyone (save Jesus) begins in spiritual bankruptcy. We have no hope of freedom from debt, other than Christ. Yet, there are two types of bankruptcy. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is for companies that have no hope of repairing the ship; they're completely sunk. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is for companies that, given a period of time, can right their financial woes. In my own life, it seems I have a tendency to float in and out of a spiritual Chapter 11. I have been saved by God's grace through faith. Yet, there are times on this spiritual journey in which I revert back to a works based approach, maybe thinking that what I do will earn more favor with God, that He'll love me more or give me more blessings. I want to be blessed by God. I want my relationship with Him to be all that He desires it be (which I cannot fathom). I want my marriage to be so godly that others can see holiness radiating from it. I want my ministry to be fruitful and long-lasting, and I want to see the lives of students and young adults changed, transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, the temptation of Chapter 11 springs up in which I throw in the towel, say "Give me a little bit of time, I'll work through this," and then proceed to work on things in my life, marriage, and ministry in which I have no control over.

That, my friends, is legalism. In the book of Galatians, Paul was combatting the heretical teachings of the Judaizers. They had been teaching that salvation came by Christ + following the law of Moses. I do this all the time. I realize my salvation is full and complete in Christ, and I can't earn it, but I still try to add things to it. Maybe as a supplement, like supplemental insurance or taking a daily vitamin as a supplement. For me, it's Christ + being a Baptist. I love being a member of a Southern Baptist church, and attending a Southern Baptist seminary. Yet, when being a Baptist replaces following Jesus in my life, I have added to the Gospel. When being a good preacher or shepherd to my students replaces the importance of my own love relationship with Jesus, I have added to the Gospel. I'm not sure what this looks like for you, but for me, I have a tendency to work harder, when in reality He is calling me to lay aside my good works and rest in Him.

In realizing this, God hit me with this thought: All of the spiritual giants in my life (those whom I respect, admire, and desire to emulate) are all people who are not legalistic. Maybe I admire their faith so much because I see something in them that I want...

So, today, I reject legalism. I refuse to "work harder" to earn God's blessings. I choose to rest in His unchanging grace, knowing that my life has purpose, value, and meaning. Legalism...rejected...

...and I'll do it again tomorrow...

...life is a journey.

- Riley

Origins

The Wannabe.  That’s what I am.  My life has been constantly defined by what I want to be.  It’s a journey; a pursuit of sorts.

When I was little, I wanted to be a lot of things.  Like any young boy, I had dreams that were unrealistic, although at the time I believed I could be or do anything.  I used to dress up as a ninja warrior and sneak around my house.  I would sometimes venture outside and pretend there were enemies hiding in the trees in the ditch beside my house.  I would break out the plastic swords and fight the battle until the battle was won…by me, of course.

Later on, I decided to pick up a golf club and train myself how to hit a golf ball.  I did pretty well at it.  I was the kid who was out in the middle of a grassy field hitting the ball at telephone poles, all the while pretending to be the commentator to my own game.  I always won.

Golf proved to be a passion of mine for a long time, and I still enjoy playing periodically.  God gave me a talent to play, taught me a lot about integrity and honor through the game, and even provided two years of my undergrad by scholarships.  I had dreams of becoming a professional, working my way through the mini-tour ranks until I reached the big show…the PGA Tour. 

Yet, something happened to me when I was 16.  The God I serve called me out and set me aside.  I had an Isaiah experience where I heard Him say, “Who will go for us?”  So, in obedience as a follower of Christ, I said, “I don’t want to go.”  Wait…in obedience?!  To tell you the truth, I don’t know why it was so hard to let go of my dreams and follow Christ’s design and pattern for my life.  I’d guess it was because I was giving up my dream in order to follow His vision.

So, now, my wannabes have changed.  I no longer want to be a ninja, or a professional golfer.  While both would be exciting, I’ve found something that is much more challenging and exciting than both: fulfilling God’s mission through the gifts that God has given me.  I want to be like Jesus.  I want to be holy like He is.  It’s a journey...a difficult one.  Jerry Bridges, author of The Pursuit of Holiness said, “This pursuit requires sustained, vigorous effort.  It allows for no indolence, no lethargy, no halfhearted commitment, and no laissez-faire attitude toward even the smallest sins.  In short, it demands the highest priority in a Christian’s life because to be holy is to be like Christ – God’s goal for every Christian.”

So, welcome to my journey.  I’m 26 years old, married to a wonderful woman who loves Jesus and loves me (and won’t let me slip in leadership).  I don’t play golf much anymore, but I do ride a bicycle with a small group of guys in my town.  I’ll probably post pictures from rides we go on periodically.  It’s all a part of the journey that the Lord has me on.  My goal for you is twofold: that you would be inspired by my journey, and that you would be challenged to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received from God. 

Blessings,

- Riley