2 Traps of Living Right: Super-Obedient or Super-Free?

In the midst of our effort to live rightly, there are two traps lying in wait for believers. Both are closely tied to practicing God’s word, but from opposite extremes. And anything taken to excess usually does not end well.

Let us look at these two spiritual traps. Who knows, without realizing it, our lives may be leaning toward one of these two kinds of ‘super’ people:

• The Super-Obedient - Legalism   This is the biggest trap for people who are eager to carry out God’s commands. Legalism in Christianity means excessive obedience or fanaticism toward the text of Scripture, beyond God Himself. In Galatians, Paul discusses legalism among the followers of Christ, who regarded the law of Moses as an absolute rule for obtaining salvation."This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing the message of the gospel?" – Galatians 3:2. Legalistic people look down on those who are less able or not yet able to obey the verses of Scripture. They may drive people who disagree with them out of fellowship. Some also think that by avoiding worldly prohibitions in extreme ways, their faith can grow. I once felt the impact of a legalistic attitude that made me a narrow and empty person. I lost the joy that is the mark of life in Christ. I tended to judge others, because I worked hard to do spiritual acts in a disciplined way, yet that did not make me more spiritual. So it is clear that legalism is different from obedience or spiritual discipline.

• The Super-Free - Liberalism  The opposite of legalism, which emphasizes rules so that people can obtain salvation, liberalism falls into an excessive freedom of life (license). “Many will follow their sensual ways, and because of them the Way of Truth will be blasphemed.” – 2 Peter 2:2 License once led me astray from the truth. Although it seemed that I was enjoying life, free and flexible, I grew far from God’s truth. I lived without commitment and apart from spiritual discipline.

We find both groups above in the Old Testament (the time of Moses) and the New Testament (the Pharisees and Sadducees). In the church today, I believe you too can tell which is the Super-Obedient and which is the Super-Free.

Neither is pleasing before God. What He desires is a people who are aware of their inability to attain righteous living, yet strive with all their might to pursue the righteousness of God. Aware that God has set them free from slavery to sin so that they may become slaves of righteousness.

Living right begins with yourself

This principle is a way to avoid the traps of the Super-Obedient and the Super-Free that have bombarded God’s people throughout the ages. The best effort always begins with yourself. Learn before teaching. Rebuke yourself before rebuking others. Purify yourself before discussing the purity of others.

Beginning with yourself will make:

1. Our teaching authentic

Hypocrites are those who teach others to do something but do not do it themselves.

Say what we do and do what we say, that is our package of authenticity. Do not teach, much less challenge others to do something before we ourselves have done it and experienced its impact personally. This is how to make the world a better place: by starting with yourself.

“But you, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you despise your brother? For we all shall stand before the judgment seat of God.” – Romans 14:10

2. Our lives have impact

As the experts say, actions speak louder than words. Actions shout louder than words. Teaching that is not accompanied by example will become dry and powerless. Style and the way we speak can deceive. People may be amazed by our wisdom, but they will only be moved by the way we live.

“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.” – James 3:13

3. Keep us far from hypocrisy

The Lord Jesus hates hypocrites. No matter how hard they study or how great their effort is to carry out His commands. Hypocrites often became Jesus’ “favorite target” in the Gospels.

”The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” – Mark 2:27

Jesus did not set aside what is written, but He wants us to prioritize love rather than look for faults and judge our brothers and sisters.

Beginning to live right from yourself is the way to strengthen our spiritual body so that it becomes ‘super’ in the Lord

Prayer: Father, keep us far from the temptation of status and the recognition of others, but draw us nearer to Your heart. Help us see that all our matters of ministry and discipleship are between us and You alone. Amen.

* Church GKDI is currently in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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