Devotions

What is the worst thing to happen to the Church?  I asked that to a group of preachers in Columbus Ohio during my portion of a Church Growth conference.  And the answers were interesting – but the answer that was mentioned the most is the one I also would have given. 

• The worst thing that ever happened to the Church is legalism!

Legalism is seeking to achieve forgiveness FROM GOD and acceptance BY GOD through obedience TO GOD.  We’ve always thought of the legalist as someone who doesn’t go to the movies, or watch cable t.v. or they don’t drink, or smoke or chew, and run around with girls who do.  But it’s much more dangerous than that. A legalist isn’t just someone with higher standards than you – a legalist is someone who thinks that they are better than you based on their ability to follow the rules.  The problem with that is in essence that means God’s plan on the cross wasn’t enough – our debt wasn’t paid in full.  But Paul writes ……

• Colossians 2: 13 - He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us.  He has TAKEN IT AWAY, nailing it to the cross. 

A few years ago the head coach of the Chicago Bears was Lovie Smith.  Of the nineteen rookies in camp they would only keep seven.  And Lovie Smith challenged the rookies with these words.

• “Make us put you on this team. Take the decision out of our hands and let your performance make the decision for us.  Make us put you on this team.”

Now that’s good coaching but terrible theology.  Some think if they just do enough and follow all the rules strictly God will have no choice but to put them on his team.  Legalism is the worst thing that ever happened to the Church.  It stifles growth – it kills joy – it excludes grace – and it makes the gospel unappealing.  And while legalism is the worst thing that ever happened to the Church – to me Grace is the best thing that ever happened to me.