Legalism vs. Love

Even with all the good that Jesus did, the religious rulers were upset that His disciples didn’t wash their hands before they ate. They came all the way from Jerusalem to evaluate His ministry, which was part of their responsibility to protect God’s people from false prophets. But they didn’t measure Jesus’ ministry against Scripture. If they had, they would have seen that there was no doctrinal error or disqualifying sin. Their legalism was rooted in the traditions, the culture, and the commandments of men.

Legalism is an attempt to tame a sick and wicked heart through outward rules and ropes. It might appear to have a form of godliness, but it just doesn’t work. That doesn’t mean we are hopeless to change. If you’re in Christ, you have been given a new heart, in addition to your old nature  that is “continually corrupted by its deceitful desires” (Ephesians 4:22). Learning how to walk in your new nature as a new creation is extremely important.

Galatians 5:16 says, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Just like the disciples developed a reliance on Jesus, you can walk with Him daily. You don’t need rules and regulations. You just have to practice the presence of God. Start walking and talking with Him as you develop a personal relationship with Him. Like any relationship, it will take time as you walk and talk with the Holy Spirit every day.