If you’re a Christian, I have a warning you need to hear! Satan has two strategic ways he’s going to attempt to destroy your life… He’s either going to try to get you to fall back into a sinful lifestyle or fall forward into legalism.

And while it’s no surprise most Christians can recognize the pitfalls of falling back into that former life, it’s this second tactic we’re typically not prepared for.

Legalism is sneaky because it disguises itself in moralism and plays to your natural desire to please God. It appeals that “If you love God, you’ll make sure you obey Him.” And yet, the irony is that the Gospel presents the exact opposite reality declaring, “It’s because God loves you that you’ll naturally want to obey Him.”

Do you see the difference in motivation? One perspective is motivated to love God while the other is motived by God’s love. Legalism is dangerous because it shifts your focus off of the things Jesus had done for you and onto all of the things you now need to do for Him. Tragically, this mindset produces nothing but frustration and failure because the enemy has successfully separated you from the power of the Gospel.

Christian… Reject falling forward into legalism by never forgetting the power of grace resides in two realities: First, God’s favor is given, not earned - for you to enjoy, not maintain. And second… Anything good that manifests from your life will only do so as a reciprocation of all that Jesus has done for you. Grace really does change everything!