Rules Produce an Apparent Holiness

Did you realise that law preaching can actually give the appearance of curbing ungodly behaviour?

Basically, our actions are governed by our desires; our desires are determined by our beliefs and attitudes. So if a father tells his son to do his homework or he won't get a present for his birthday - he will do his homework. But he is not doing his homework out of love - it is out of fear, lust and a want for approval.

Wrong Motives

We all have subconscious programs in our minds that govern our lives, although many people still believe the illusion that they have perfect conscious control over everything that they do. This assumption is carried into the church.

So when the preacher gives the congregation a list of rules, they can become subconsciously compelled to act upon them - but it is not the Holy Spirit, it is not the divine nature and it is not love. Such desire to do what is right comes from fear and a want for approval (God and the congregation). There is the fear that the other church members won't accept someone in their ranks who does what the pastor says is wrong. Then there is all the fear of rejection by man and God.

God Loves a Cheerful Giver

2 Corinthians 9:7 says that God loves a cheerful giver. It is not just our money that we give to the church, in relation to offerings: we also give our time, skills and energy to the church as well, when we serve in the church. I believe that 2 Corinthians 9:7 applies to anything that we do in the name of serving God. To be cheerful means that we do not serve God out of grudging obligation (2 Corinthians 9:5).

Hearing the Message of Grace

It is much better to listen to the message of grace and allow that teaching to melt away all fear of condemnation - knowing that God loves and accepts you - just as you are. It can be no other way. If salvation depends on what you do - none of us would make it. But thankfully, Jesus has already paid the price. Therefore, as little children make mistakes sometimes, so do us as children of God.

In this wonderful atmosphere of no condemnation - those people-pleasing programs are disabled and our fear is taken away so that we can experience the divine nature and walk in His grace, peace and strength.

Don't be tempted by the appearance of holiness that the law brings.