Summary: Legalism is a heavy load to carry. It means that you have to be good and stay in line to earn God's love. It means you live by rules and regulations. That's a lot of pressure. The Spiritual Disciplines can often be confused with legalism- and many times that's what they become. Do not allow this perversion of what God originally intended to creep into your relationship with Christ. Rather, heed St. Paul's words in the book of Galatians, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." When you are beginning to establish the spiritual disciplines in your walk with the Lord, beware of the enslavement of legalism. Guard against it. Pray against it. If the disciplines are not bringing greater freedom- then they are not of Christ! There are many spiritual disciplines- but perhaps the most important are time in God's Word and in prayer. Both of these activities will help keep you from legalism. They will give you freedom to truly enjoy your ever-deepening relationship with the Lord. And, through your relationship with Him, you'll be able to reach your world with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
