I am not revealing the titles of my books, yet, for an important reason. I have some heart-issues to address. These issues revolve around the difference between legalism and righteousness.
"Our righteousness does not earn for us God's intervention, but God's intervention in our lives prompts in us a desire to live as one rightly related to Him - righteous, as one who truly trusts in Him" (Rothschild, 2003, p. 18).
I have been legalistic in my life - mostly as a younger person. Legalism is not rooted in Christ; it is not Christlike. The source of legalism is evil, and the outcome of "Christian legalism" is people who despise Christians, and avoid Christ. In other words, legalism neither attracts others to Christ nor glorifies Christ. This is the polar opposite of Christ's intention for His followers.
To counteract legalism, I focus on growing in discernment. I am sure my choices appear legalistic to some, but that is not my intention. The choices I make are outcomes of discernment that Christ develops within me. As a result, I feel freedom from rules. The choices I make that have the appearance of legalism provide me freedom from unnecessary harm, and wisdom to overcome evil because I trust God to guide me. So often, in avoiding discernment, people entangle themselves in bondage, addictions, and pain. Discernment involves living in the world without being of the world. I believe that sitting on the fence gives evil opportunity to simmer until our senses are dull and we slowly cooked to death.
Here are some examples to consider: I don't drink much alcohol. It is not inherently evil to drink alcohol, but my life experience points to the hurt alcohol causes in the lives of people. Even so, social drinking is becoming more commonplace among Christians. Some are calling for various denominations to lift the restrictions on it. In response to these proposed changes, a friend of mine gave me a different perspective. She wonders if the Christian folks who are pushing for the acceptance of social drinking have experienced alcoholism up close and personal. This dear friend has experienced it - she grew up in a home with an alcoholic father. She has many personal and heart-breaking examples of the hurt caused by alcoholism. Discernment leads me to put more weight on the destruction caused by alcohol than on my freedom to socially drink.
One day I heard a young man explain how he started smoking. A couple of his friends smoked occasionally "for the fun of it." Before he knew what was happening to him, this young man was addicted to nicotine. He regretted his choices. I am glad I am not one of those friends who introduced the guy to an "occasional smoke for fun." Personal choices impact others.
In high school, a boy who was raised in home similar to my own commented on the mystery and fun of a Ouija board. The mystery and intrigue of such a "toy" is no game. Evil in this world is very real. It may appear legalistic to draw firm lines, but discernment protects, provides, and promotes a kind of living that ushers in life rather than pain. It is called righteousness. Though righteousness has a negative connotation in our current culture, its meaning is very different from Christ's perspective.
One of the reasons I hesitated to read and blog about the books I chose is that I fear appearing legalistic. At the same time, I love people and I seek to tangibly exemplify the beauty of life in Christ. Our culture blocks pure devotion to Christ and righteous living that brings about real life. The question is: How should you and I respond? Do we draw firm lines between living in the world and living of the world? Do we focus on fitting in thereby straddling the cultural fence? Do we talk ourselves into believing some things really are not that dangerous; that no harm is done in controlled indulgences? Are all choices relative?
The books I will blog about are sure to step on some toes. Some may label me legalistic. Read on with an open mind. If you are a Christ-follower, seek Him for the answers. The issues of our present culture are serious, as they have been for all previous generations. Careful evaluation is wise. Wisdom and discernment are tools of Christ that advance righteous choices and real living.
Rothschild, J. (2003). Walking by faith: Lessons learned in the dark. Nashville: Lifeway Press.
