Series 1: Living Free in Christ – Week 2

Spotting Legalism in Daily Life

Key Scripture: Colossians 1:20–23 (CSB)

Last week, we talked about the freedom Jesus gives us. But freedom can be tricky to hold onto, especially when legalism sneaks in.

Legalism is subtle. It does not always show up as harsh rules or judgmental behavior. Sometimes it looks like perfectionism, spiritual comparison, or guilt when you choose to rest.

In Colossians 1:20–23, Paul reminds us:

“…and through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. ²¹ Once you were alienated and hostile in your minds as expressed in your evil actions. ²² But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through his death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before him ²³ if indeed you remain grounded and steadfast in the faith and are not shifted away from the hope of the gospel that you heard. This gospel has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become a servant of it.”

Legalism whispers, “Do more to be loved.”
Grace declares, “You already are.”

What Is Legalism?

Legalism is the belief that we can earn God’s approval through performance. It replaces relationship with routine and turns worship into a checklist.

When we rely on self effort instead of God’s grace, we drift from the heart of the gospel. We forget that our righteousness does not come from what we do, but from who Jesus is.

How Does Legalism Creep In

Legalism often begins with good intentions such as wanting to do things “the right way.” But over time, we begin to measure our worth by performance:

• Did I pray enough?
• Did I read enough?
• Did I serve enough?

While these habits are good, they are not when they become the source of our identity instead of the fruit of it.

Paul’s warning to stay “grounded in faith” reminds us that spiritual growth flows from connection, not control.

Signs You Might Be Slipping into Legalism

• You constantly feel like you’re not doing enough.
  Busyness replaces rest, and rest feels wrong.
• You compare your walk to others.
  Instead of learning from them, you feel either superior or inferior.
• You serve out of guilt.
  You act out of pressure, not purpose.
• You see God as a taskmaster.
  Your prayers sound more like progress reports than personal conversations.
• You struggle to extend grace.
  The mercy you receive feels harder to give.

The Remedy: Reconciliation

Paul uses a powerful word in Colossians, reconcile, which means to bring back into harmony.

Through Christ, God restored our relationship to Himself completely.
We don’t have to earn His love. We just have to remain rooted in it.

Legalism says, “Do more.”
Grace says, “It is finished.”

When we live from reconciliation, our faith moves from striving to surrender, from guilt to gratitude.

Practical Ways to Spot and Stop Legalism

1. Check your motivation.
Ask, “Am I doing this to be loved—or because I already am?”

2. Watch your language.
Change “I have to pray” to “I get to pray.” It shifts your posture from pressure to privilege.

3. Evaluate your heart toward others.
If judgment comes quicker than compassion, pause. Remember the grace you’ve been given.

Reflection & Prayer

Father, thank You for reconciling me through Jesus.
Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to earn Your approval instead of resting in Your grace.
Keep me grounded in faith and rooted in the hope of the gospel.
Help me live from Your acceptance, not for it.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge of the Week

Ask God to reveal one area where you have turned relationship into routine.
Maybe it is your prayer life, church involvement, or self-worth.
When He shows you, pause and let grace reframe it.

If you are someone who journals, write down your reflection under this question:

“Where am I striving instead of resting?”

Then pray for God to help you release control and embrace grace.

Connect

If this week’s post resonated with you, share it with someone who might need to hear that faith is about freedom, not formulas.

Join me next week for Week 3: Grace for Imperfect Days, where we’ll talk about how to walk in peace and confidence even when life doesn’t go as planned, and how God’s grace still meets us right where we are.

And remember, faith isn’t complicated.
It’s practical.
Walk it out one step at a time.