What motivates your Christianity? Legalism or Love?
Legalism is an easy trap. I know—I’m sometimes legalistic.
Legalists:
1. Ignore Romans 14 which tells us not to judge other believers for non-essentials beliefs.
2. Do things to look good on the outside (Matthew 6:1) but remain unchanged on the inside (Matthew 23:25).
3. Compare themselves with others and feel superior (Galatians 6:4).
"Loveists" on the other hand:
1. Allow differences in non-essentials as Romans 14 commands.
2. Do things to keep a clear conscience before God (Hebrews 13:18).
3. Don't compare themselves with others but evaluate themselves by God's standards (Romans 12:3).
If we love Christ it will be our heart's desire to obey Him (John 14:21).
“May [our] roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love” (Ephesians 3:17).
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Yup, good summation Gail. My husband as a boy, saw what a legalistic church did to his aunt. Even as a child, he understood they treated her wrong. He is a pastor now and I believe some of his childhood experiences, helped shape the kind of preacher he is today. Thank you for your Ministry. It touches so many lives. ~ Abby
ReplyDeleteI love how God can use a negative experience to shape us. I'm glad your husband can use his aunt's bad experiences for good. And thanks so much, Abby, for your encouragement. : )
DeleteGail