Legalism is a way of covering hypocrisy, because it creates external rules that can be kept regardless of the state of the heart—at least in the eyes of others. It allows people to look good outwardly even when their hearts are rotten. But legalism also causes hypocrisy, because people learn to keep the external rules without being changed internally. And they also learn to live a life of deceit, in which the way they look to others is more important than how they look to God.
Dave Swavely, Who Are You To Judge?, pg.96-97
These type of people in the church are insidious. The pastors and elders (if they aren't themselves legalists) usually think these folk are the epitome of Christian perfection, because they behave "just so". Young folks can be taught this game, too! They learn to "behave" perfectly and voila, get instant accolades and approval from parents and leadership alike.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, ordinary saints, who don't bother with veneers - and hence display the unvarnished full spectrum of their life, for better or for worse - are not accepted, because they aren't always behaving perfectly.
Experience can be a painful, painful teacher. Do I sound like someone who has witnessed this much? ;-)
-Carolyn
Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteYes you do, but we also witnessed too much!
That's because you and Jill subscribe to the "we don't bother with veneers" category, no? ;-) Tsk, tsk.
ReplyDelete-Carolyn
One final thought... about children who are taught the legalism game. I have seen both ends of the spectrum in this matter. I have indeed met smug youth, who seem to know the game and know how to play it. But I have also seen children who can't seem to be as "perfect" as is expected of them, and I have watched them either struggle with frustration and anger, or descend into discouragement or despair.
ReplyDeleteLegalism does so much damage, because it never touches the heart. It is only grace that moves the heart.
-Carolyn