(a 4 minute read)  David and Mark, old friends, were nursing a couple of cold drinks at their local hangout.  The subject at hand was the Christian claim that people of the Jewish faith at Jesus’ time were pretty legalistic, which Jesus rebuked, and if we Christians have kicked that habit, today.

D: Let’s begin by what is being legalistic?

M: Well, it’s adhering or following the rules

D: So what’s wrong with that?

M: Nothing really, but making the rules / laws the focus is the problem

D: Not sure I follow. If following the laws is a good thing, why are you twisting it around to make it kind of like a bad thing? Labeling it legalistic! So, is a law-abiding citizen legalistic?

Mark laughed aloud with his eyes as large as can be and his palms wide open, while thinking “how do I clarify that!”

M: That’s a great point David. So it is not about If she/he is law-abiding rather it is about HOW he/she is law-abiding. Here’s an example that may clarify;

• The law is to turn on my blinkers before I make a turn.
• Typically there is no other thought. I am supposed to turn on my blinker and I do.
  This is the IF I am doing it.
• Was there a forethought associated with my law-abidingness?
• Typically not. I am supposed to turn my blinkers and I automatically and without forethought turn on my blinkers. That would be a legalistic approach /thinking / application / attitude.

D: What the heck is wrong with that!! I am following the law isn’t that what matters?

M: No it is not David. That’s why we are called Legalistic in our approach to life

In a challenging tone David said; “How then would I do it and not be legalistic??”

M: Real easy, I just need to have the forethought associated with the action, any action. That’s the HOW. My turn signal is intended to signal, no pun intended, the car behind me that I am about to slow down. This way the driver behind me is not surprised by my brake lights. So if I know I am turning in a few blocks;

• Look in the rear view mirror and notice the car behind me.
• Decide when I will press my brakes.
• About 3-5 seconds prior to pressing my brakes, I’d turn my blinkers.

D: Oh brother, that’s exhausting! Who wants to do all that every time I am about to turn

M: And that’s exactly why David we are legalistic without even realizing it. It is just too darn easy to be legalistic than not! And not even notice it!

“…clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” None of these are second nature to me and you. It takes work. If I am not doing the work, guess what? I am probably legalistic. And the driver behind me has no idea IF I am merely following the law or HOW I am following the law. In both cases, I am a law-abiding citizen but in only one case I am not legalistic. If I am not considering the driver behind me, I have exhibited none of these; compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness or patience. I’ve just followed the law!

D: Anything else wise one?? David said sarcastically.

Mark with a cackle and a huge smile added, “Actually yes, there is one more thing”;

If you are driving 67 in a 55 zone, and I say, “Hey slow down. The Bible says obey the laws of the land, therefore slow down.” Then I am being legalistic. Why? Because I am soliciting the Bible to have you do what I want you to do as I am uncomfortable with the speed you are driving. I could kindly and loving say something like, “Hey David, you aware the speed limit is 55?” If you say, “Yes.” My answer should be, “Just making sure you know.” And that has to be with ZERO infliction of blame / guilt / attitude or any of the like, otherwise I am still being legalistic!!

D: Pile it on man, pile it on….. No wonder people do not want to be Christian if that’s what they need to do.

M: I am sorry David, but if the world sees us as legalistic, it is me and you that are holding them away from Christianity. If only we could reflect this; compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, that the Lord desires from us, oh how so many would flock to and not fly away.

In last week’s blog, hope you and I came to the realization that we are indeed biased, and hope that today, you and I will agree that we are indeed legalistic. Such realizations are intended to free us from the hand-cuffs / traditions / customs / attitudes that we hinder ourselves with.

My Creator and my Maker. I come to You asking that I have a forethought after forethought after forethought. When I pray, go to church, be charitable, or do whatever it is I believe is what I am supposed to do. May I have the forethought of the purpose, every single time. I realize this takes work, but it is this forethought that will fill me with joy and with peace. Your Joy and Your Peace my Lord. Thank You for giving us the opportunity to care and lift one another by clothing oneself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. May I just remember to put them on day in and day out. I love You and I thank You my God. Amen