I THINK MOST WOULD AGREE that legalism has a great probability of producing rebellion. I have been around people who take a legalistic approach to serving God and they and their children have fallen away in droves. Legalism produces a hardened, sour spirit and most legalistic people are self-righteous, hypocritical and condemning.

However, so many think that obedience is legalism. Obedience is love. He said, “If you love Me, you will obey Me”. God has always given humanity the option to choose to obey His commands. “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word (obey); and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” John‬ ‭14:23‬

Legalism is a means of obeying in order to be secure. It’s depending on your obedience for salvation. ‭But, obedience is born out of love. I love Him because He first loved me. I depend on Christ alone for my salvation. Therefore, I obey Him because I love Him. He has been so good to me. I never forget what He has done for me. My sin was as filthy rags and while I lived in my stench, He died for me. He set me upon a Rock and I shall not be moved. I’m forever grateful.

Why do you call Him Lord and not do what He says? If you do not obey the Word of God, do you really love Him? Paul told the Corinthian church what true love was- “love does not seek its own way”. True agapē love does not seek its own ways and desires; but rather true love submits to the One it loves. Love is loyal and faithful above all else. Love is not wishy-washy. Love is not feeling based or emotionally driven. Love is purposeful. Are you fearful? Perfect love casts out fear. You have not yet been perfected in love. Fear produces disobedience. Do you love Him more than anyone or anything else? This is the greatest commandment. Your allegiances are being exposed. Examine your heart. It might be time to renew your vows. #runyourrace

To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page