Jesus taught us to beware that legalism infects the entire body. When the dough is kneaded, the yeast spreads throughout and affects the whole body of the dough. This is also what happens when legalism takes hold in a church. It can look many different ways... "certain people can't worship with us because they aren't like us" to "our music, our liturgists, our way is the only right way to worship God" to "only people with certain political views are welcome." Jesus says, "beware" of the influence of legalism, because it takes the focus off of following him and puts it on knowing the right theology, the right set of rules to follow, and the right list of good works to do. And then what are you left with? Religion. Not Jesus followers.
Matthew 16:5-12 5 When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 Jesus said to them, "Watch out, and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." 7 They said to one another, "It is because we have brought no bread." 8 And becoming aware of it, Jesus said, "You of little faith, why are you talking about having no bread? 9 Do you still not perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? 11 How could you fail to perceive that I was not speaking about bread? Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees!" 12 Then they understood that he had not told them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching to beware of the infectious nature of legalism? What do I do that supports legalism in my church instead of standing against it?
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