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