Hypocrisy is a serious accusation just as accusing someone of being a racist or bigot is. But a legalist is not necessarily a hypocrite because they may actually live up to their own standards--or at least they believe that they do. But the question is "Do I unecessarily hold others to the same standard?" This is the main problem with legalism. It goes beyond what the actual standard is and adds all of these other "rules" for everyone to live by. In today's world, our sphere of influence applies not only to the places we go but also the virtual world of the internet. Here are a few signs that are cause for concern:
1) I am frustrated with others who do not obey rules that I obey.
2) I am always critical of decisions made by those in authority over me.
3) I often feel as though there is no one else who knows the right way to live.
4) I cannot understand why people can't get it right the first time.
5) I have a difficult time with forgiving repeat offenders.
6) I understand that if something is a rule, it should always be kept.
7) I am pleased when people suffer the consequences of their disobedience.
8) I am constantly reminding others of what they are supposed to be doing.
9) I only give gifts to those who I think deserve it.
10) I feel most loved when others recognize my good deeds.
These are simply "signs" of which there are many more. I just mentioned a few that came to my mind as I thought about my own legalistic tendencies. Now don't worry that you are a terrible person if this list describes you in some way. We all have at least some of these tendencies, but even if this described you in detail, there is grace for you. You do not have let it "rule" you. Imagine if God was this way? We'd all be in big big trouble. But we are told throughout the Scriptures that He is longsuffering and forbearing with sinners like us.
But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.(ESV)
2 Peter 3:8-9
But that's a New Testament concept right? God wasn't always this way. Well, let's see:
Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?(ESV)
Ezekiel 33:11
God is in the business of forbearance and lovingkindness to those who definitely do not deserve it. And if we are the people of God, then should we not also be like our God?
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.(NASB)
2 Timothy 2:1
This is one of my favorite passages in all of Scripture. We are told to be strong in that which we do not deserve. Grace comes from outside of ourselves. Any other way of trying to live virtuously means living by a self-righteousness. We are told elsewhere in the New Testament to be stewards of the grace which comes from God(1 Peter 4:10). This stands in stark contrast to one who is constantly giving out rules that may or may not even be from God. I am not saying that we can just live in wreckless manner, but rather where sin abounds God's grace abounds much more. We are to be gracious and patient with others, especially to those who have yet to receive God's Son. It constantly amazes me how Christians or so-called Christians can expect those who do not even claim to know Christ, to live as a Christian, when God's Word tells us that they cannot. And how quickly do we forget where we would be if we ourselves were not shown the Grace of God. Next time we log on to a world wide web that is so filled with harsh criticism and rules that bind, let's be givers of the Grace which we have so undeservedly received.
