I want to address an issue related to the way in which we deal with the legalist. Sadly, when a person encounters legalism and has to defend the freedom grace affords there ends up being a counter-reaction that develops in the heart of the individual.

All to often when battling legalism it’s so easy to grow legalistic in the way you believe all Christian freedoms should be enjoyed! It’s easy to think that because you enjoy a freedom others have chosen to abstain from you have somehow become more “in tune” with the Gospel message.

The irony is that such a perspective is equally wrong for it also stands guilty of possessing a false sense of moral superiority inconsistent with grace.

You see grace alone takes your eyes off what you do or refrain from doing by placing them squarely on Jesus and what He’s done for you! Grace frees you to walk with Jesus according to your own conscience, and it also removes your right to impose personal convictions onto another.

The danger of this counter-reaction to legalism is that it fosters within a person who enjoys freedom a false sense that they’re now better than the person who’s yet to fully experience the liberating nature of grace. This approach falls into the category of being “so right you’re wrong!” It’s haughty and proud!

While the traditional legalist prides themselves on what they do and/or refrain from doing for Jesus, the exact same snare exists for those who react to legalism by taking pride in their liberty and not in their Liberator. It’s been said, “The fastest way to become a Pharisee is to hate Pharisees.”