My Grandma used to say, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." One of the most common balancing acts sincere Christians must pull off is the battle between acting in faith and legalism. We always want to sort of "fool proof" things we do, even in our walks with God. So, it is easy to put an "if-then" clause in our belief system. You know, "If I pray, read the Bible, go to church and witness X times then, God will bless my life." Although there is a measure of truth to that, it is not an absolutely foolproof method of obtaining blessings and prosperity in your life.
I believe that the desire to know God in any way is good and proof of His Spirit in ones life. Yet, we always try to impose rules so that no one gets hurt. That is legalism.
Paul had to battle people who offered Christians a different gospel, one that was all about the law. Paul even rebuked the apostle Peter about falling into legalism and leading others to do the same.
"We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified." Galatians 2:15-16
Paul, who was a Pharisee knew what it was like to try to be good enough under the law. He realize he would never, in his own righteousness be good enough. The good news is that our righteousness is not about our good works (which I believe are a fruit of faith) but about Christ's righteousness on our behalf.
The life of faith can never be understood and enjoyed by legalism. Legalism will always try to squeeze in and steal your joy. Your mission is to always live by faith in grace.
Father, help us to enjoy our lives with You. May we live in faith, in the realization that You are God and that You are Sovereign and that You do have unfailing love for us. Praise be to You in us today!
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