Verse of the Day - Romans 14:13

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. ~ Romans 14:13 (NIV)


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Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
le·gal·ism /ˈligəˌlɪzəm/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[lee-guh-liz-uhm] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun

1. strict adherence, or the principle of strict adherence, to law or prescription, esp. to the letter rather than the spirit.
2. Theology.
a. the doctrine that salvation is gained through good works.
b. the judging of conduct in terms of adherence to precise laws.


If we think about this, we are probably all guilty of legalism toward others in one way or the other...

~ How we dress in church
~ What kind of movies we watch
~ How we vote
~ The issue of body modification

If people don't look and act the way we think they should in order to be a Christian, we can end up judging them. And when we put ourselves in the judgment seat, pride steps into our hearts and shoves love right out of the picture. It can alienate us from others, and cause those we judge to confuse the essence of the gospel.

I wrote about Brian Welch, former lead guitarist for the rock group, KoRn, a few days ago....



I haven't been able to get his image out of my mind. Why? Because he looks the antithesis of a "typical" Christian. You know what I'm talking about, don't you? Clean-cut, conservatively-dressed...mainstream. But Brian's background and style is not geared toward the mainstream. And although he has been rescued by Jesus and saved by God's amazing grace, his style has not changed. His tattoos are still there. And he doesn't make apologies for that. What shines through, to me, loud and clear is the change in his heart. It is radical. It is real. Just like his Jesus.

When are we going to give up our judgmental notions that you should wear a suit and tie to church, you shouldn't watch anything but "G"-rated movies, you should vote Republican, you shouldn't have tattoos or piercings....IF you want to be a good Christian boy or girl?

All I can say to this is that Jesus didn't think like this. He wasn't impressed with the Pharisees and their pious thoughts, dress and habits...He looked at their heart and saw dead men walking.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2023:23-28;&version=51;

If we desire to see non-believers come to true faith in the living God, we need to bag our legalistic baggage and understand the heart of God...the lover of all people, from every tribe, language and nation. Different people have different ways, but Jesus as Savior and Lord is the key...the essence of our faith. We need to stick to the basics and get off any pompous throne we're sitting on in judgment of others for the things that really don't matter.

Oh, Lord, forgive us when we set man's standards as Your standards, and cause us and others to stumble. Help us to remember the essence of Your gospel...salvation by faith through Your amazing grace and love. Help us to throw off all of the legalistic stuff we like to pile onto the Christian life. Help us, instead, to concentrate on what's important to you...to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You, our God. Amen.


Love,
Joelene