Is Your Church Legalistic? | Devotional | Galatians 6:13

For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. — Galatians 6:13

The one thing that is always true about religious legalists is that they are zealous. They passionately love their position and will go to great lengths to defend it. But the bottom line is that they are not concerned about God even though they appear to be. They are worried about their methods, systems, processes, and behaviors. And in doing so, they end up taking their eyes off God, giving attention to accomplishments focused only on themselves. And so they boast. They boast only about what they have done, not about God.

I am sure most of us get this. But let's remember, Paul is speaking about a movement that has infiltrated the church. He is confronting legalistic church leaders and their agenda within the church.

In our time, Paul might say that if our church spends too much time boasting about what it's done, then it might have a problem. So if your church and its leaders celebrate the vision, the band, the mission, and the activities a little bit too much, your church might have a problem. Or if attendees only talk about the pastor, the teaching, the music, and the style, then your church might have a problem. And guess what none of these things matter if they don't focus on the one thing that does matter. And the only thing that matters is Jesus. He is the center. We come to worship him. To sing about him. To learn about him. To serve him. To give to him. Jesus did all the work. He was righteous. He upheld the law. He provided the sacrifice. He gave eternal life. He sent the Spirit. There is no one or no thing that could ever do what he did. If we could have, we would have, but we couldn't, so we didn't.

So don't worship processes, programs, or pastors. Worship Christ alone. He is the only one who is worth it and worthy of it. Take some time today to turn your focus from everything but Jesus.

ASK THIS: What is distracting you from a focus on Jesus?

DO THIS: Refocus on Him.

PRAY THIS: Jesus, you alone are worthy of my praise.

PLAY THIS: In Christ Alone.

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[carlbrewster]

Yesterday I didn’t listen. So today I will put an Old Testament book. Daniel

[greatlakescw]

Amen!!! There are things that are important and there are things that aren’t I can’t stand legalism!!

[joshcousino]

It’s amazing how quickly a system or process inside a church can go from a tool to an idol really fast. Thanks, brother!

[scottfrance]

Such a great, great message. "A ten-story window washer is strongly advised to not take a step back to admire his work." Thank you, Vince!

[DenshaOtoko]

That's the Baptist Church I was raised in.

[Will.Standfest]

It is scary how quickly we can slip into boasting and focusing on the "things" of the church, music, preaching, etc... May our focus be on Jesus first. I'll add another vote for Daniel. And stop teasing us, when are the hats going to be available?

[jc]

Am I sitting under legalism if I m not allowed to serve in the choir because Im single and I rent a room in a house of a male homeowner??
I get that it could be violating the scripture about not avoiding “the appearance of evil“
But where does the appearance of evil end? Do I stop riding in the car with a single man? For fear of being seen with him and stumbling someone? Can I go on a bike ride with a male friend? I mean this can get crazy! I am stuck in a high rent city and I found a reasonable and affordable room for rent. My pastor wants me to move so that I can be a better example. How serious of a predicament is this? Is this legal ism or is this defending the reputation of Jesus Christ?