Rules = Legalism?

What is legalism? Well, one thing is certain...if you want to stop the mouth of a Christian, all you have to do is accuse him of it. It is a powerful accusation that carries a stigma which no one wants to bear. We instinctively know it's not a good thing to be legalistic - the word implies rigidity, inflexibility, intolerance and Pharisaism. And who among us wants to be ranked among the sect most frequently and vehemently rebuked by Christ Himself?!

I have noticed within Christian circles a tendency, which I think is erroneous, to link the making and/or enforcing of rules with legalism. I would suggest that there is a fundamental element exclusive to true legalism which is not necessarily present in formulating and implementing institutional rules.

Legalism is setting up rules or standards, then declaring obedience to them as a prerequisite to godliness. It is the sin of equating man-made rules with God's own laws. And true legalism IS a sin...it enslaves those who are bound to it rather than allowing them to live in the freedom granted us by Christ. Of course, it is this sin of which the Pharisees and Judaisers were so guilty...they piled on requirements for righteousness, adding laws ad infinitum, causing many to stumble or turn away out of frustration, and elevating themselves on account of their self-made righteousness.

Another common element in legalism is the tendency to concern myself with how well I think OTHERS are obeying the rules. It encourages a critical spirit, because the focus is on "Do not touch, Do not taste, Do not handle" rather than on producing the righteousness that God requires. Outward compliance is paramount, regardless of the condition of the heart.

This practice and attitude is wholly different from merely establishing and enforcing rules, especially in a public or institutional atmosphere. I can think of three primary justifications for setting up rules: out of a desire to reflect the image of God more closely; out of love and consideration for others; and as a matter of stewardship.

In what way does institutional order reflect the image of God? We learn much about the character of God from his creative work. He has ordered the sun to rise daily in a predictable pattern - it is, in effect, a "rule" which he has ordained and which he enforces by bringing it to pass every day. He does this both as a reflection of his being and as a mercy to us. Most of creation operates in orderly and predictable patterns, and a little reflection on what our lives would be like apart from this orderliness, brings to light the great benefits he affords us by letting us know what to expect. We do well to imitate the Creator in living well-ordered lives and it is a mercy to bestow the same stability and security on our children as our heavenly Father bestows on us.

When an institution refuses to establish order by delineating expectations for "the group," some degree of chaos inevitably ensues. And an atmosphere of chaos does not provide the safest, most stable situation in which people thrive. It is certainly true that when determining the rules, those in authority should choose carefully, so as not to discourage those under their charge or to burden them unnecessarily, and should proceed from a desire to benefit and bless them - both individually and corporately.

Setting rules and boundaries can be a way of "one-anothering" one another. "Don't talk in the hallway" is not merely an opportunity to exercise obedience...it is a rule established out of consideration for others who are studying or listening to a lecture. "Don't run in the building" is for the safety of the runner and anyone he might inadvertantly plow into. "Do your work" or "Don't be late" are for training in self-government which leads to satisfaction and further productivity. "Hold the door for the ladies" is one way of showing honor. "Serve your guests first" can be training in preferring others before yourself.

When young ones are taught to view these kinds of rules as outward manifestations of love for others, they are less inclined to rebel against or ignore them, and their hearts will be trained to live in a constant awareness of those around them. They learn to purposely bless those around them by thoughtful actions.

Finally, rules such as "Don't jump on the couch" or "Don't throw the ball in the house" or "Don't take your drinks out of this room" etc., can simply stem from a desire, not to squelch a child's propensity for joy and exuberance, but to cultivate an attitude of faithful stewardship and thankfulness for God's good gifts. If I don't have to replace my sofa, or lamp or carpeting because they've been carelessly ruined, what else might those monies be available for? How might that extra time be spent instead of shopping for replacements?

In conclusion, I would suggest that our reasons for establishing rules, the way we present them to children (or adults for that matter), as well as the way we go about enforcing them can prevent the making and enforcing of rules from becoming an exercise in legalism. However, this requires thoughtful consideration, effort and discernment on the part of the rule makers.

Let the rules live on...let the legalism be put to death!