How can you know your a legalist? Here is a simple test of 5 questions. Question #1 - Do you place a higher value on Church customs than on biblical principles? Question #2 — Do you elevate to the status of “moral law” something the Bible does not require? Here are a few examples:
1. The Bible encourages modesty in dress. Both male and female are to be careful not to dress in a way that flaunts their sexuality or is unnecessarily showy and seductive. But we have no right to condemn others for wearing colorful clothing or for using make-up, wearing jewelry or for any particular hair style or hair color.
2. The Bible condemns lust in no uncertain terms. But the legalist uses this to condemn as unholy everything from television to the internet to movies, to mixed swimming. You may be better off by limiting your use of T.V. and the internet and movies, but you can't pass judgment on others enjoyment of them. These forms of media can be used as powerful tools for the expansion and expression of Kingdom truths. Of course this blog won't be read by anyone with this hang-up because it's on the internet.
3. The Bible explicitly forbids drunkenness, but it nowhere requires total abstinence. For some total abstinence from alcohol is the right thing to do. As a Christian you are certainly free to adopt that as a lifestyle. But you are not free to condemn those who choose to drink in moderation. You can discuss the wisdom of such a choice and the practical consequences of it but you cannot condemn people who drink as sub-spiritual or as falling short of God’s best. Jesus drank wine, the scriptures tell us wine is a gift from God to make man's heart glad. I suggest reading the book, "Drinking with Calvin and Luther".
4. The Bible commands weekly gatherings for prayer, worship, preaching of the Word, celebration of the sacraments. But the legalist condemns as carnal anyone who ever for any reason misses a Sunday service, watches a football game in the afternoon or chooses to mow their lawn after church. If you choose not to work on Sunday or watch sports or do household chores, that’s up to you, but don’t condemn others who differ. And no cheating by trying to apply the Old Covenant sabbath laws to the New Covenant.
5. Parents are commanded to raise their kids in the fear and admonition of the Lord. But whether you educate your children at home or send them to a private school or public school is a matter which the scripture is silent. You may have a conviction that public schools are of the devil, but don’t try to enslave the conscience of others who disagree with you. Not everyone is cut out for homeschooling and some Christian schools present problems all their own. I know children who were home-schooled, who went to private Christian schools and who went to public school. Some in each situation rebelled and most didn't, the key was the way the parents lived out the reality of Christianity before their children. I know people who in my opinion did a terrible job of raising their children but the children turned out fine with a strong faith. I know people who were extremely diligent and God fearing in their attempt to raise their children and suffered the heartbreak of a child rebelling and walking away from the faith.
The issue here is elevating to the status of "moral law" something the bible does not require. This is something very divisive in the body of Christ and very destructive to the lives of God's people. This produces pettiness, harshness and a critical spirit that has nothing to do with the gospel and acts as a hindrance to it. If your doing any of the above you are a legalist.
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