Fruit of the Spirit: Solution for Legalism

We've all heard the term "legalism" before, but what does it mean? A simplified definition for legalism might be this. Legalism is rules composed by man that go beyond the words of Scripture. Legalism involves imposing rules and standards of conduct on others that have been determined by man, but not by God.

Examples of Legalism

You can't wear makeup or adorn yourself in jewelry and be truly modest. You can't go bowling, have a sip of wine, or go to the movies and be a Christian. You can't wear sleeveless garments or open-toed shoes, or you'll make a brother stumble. Don't laugh at this list--I've heard every one of them. Nothing good has ever come out of legalism. So, is there a solution for legalism? Yes, there is. It's found in the Fruit of the Spirit.

In the flesh, we don't bear spiritual fruit. There's a war going on between our flesh and the Sprit. We've all seen the picture of the little devil in red on one shoulder and the little angel in white on the other shoulder. They're battling it out for supremacy over the will of the person on whose shoulders they stand. A comical image it may be, but there's truth to the concept. Flesh battles Spirit.

Galations 5:16-17 (NASB)

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

We all struggle against the flesh in our lives--those things that can ruin the fruit-bearing. Let's take a look at the deeds of the flesh described in Scripture.

Galations 5:19-21 (NASB)

"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

Lest we believe we don't struggle with any of these, let's take a closer look. Here are what would be considered the opposite of the Fruit of the Spirit: self-centeredness, complaining, worry, lack of patience, meanness, spiteful words, lack of faith, a proud spirit, and pleasure-focused. Well, I'm guilty with this group; how about you? Now let's take a closer look at the Fruit of the Spirit as made clear in Scripture.

Galations 5:22-26 (NASB)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another."

There's only one way to resolve this war between the flesh and the Spirit, and it involves walking in the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit means full submission to God--where we seek to please Him in everything we think, say, and do. This keeps us from accusing others or placing legalistic rules and expectations on others.

Galations 5:17 (NASB)

"But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law."

When we nail our personal wills and desires to the cross, they die there, allowing the fruit to bear. When we accept His will for our lives and allow Him to guide our every turn and work His good work in us, the end result brings glory to God.

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