In a world longing for truth, many believers begin with a sincere desire to obey God—but somewhere along the way, they trade relationship for rules. Instead of walking in freedom, they begin walking on eggshells, weighed down by checklists and human effort.
I’ve seen this happen to people I love. I’ve also seen how it creeps in slowly—often disguised as holiness, but ultimately driving a wedge between us and the One who came to set us free.
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Obedience Matters—But Not Without Jesus
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). Obedience is beautiful when it’s born from love. But when it becomes the way we try to earn love—or worse, compare our righteousness to others—we’ve stepped out of grace and into legalism.
Legalism happens when we focus on outward behavior more than inward transformation. It’s the belief (sometimes unspoken) that our standing with God is based on what we do rather than what Christ has done.
This is not what the gospel teaches.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
– Ephesians 2:8-9
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When the Law Becomes the Focus, Grace Is Pushed Aside
Scripture tells us that the law is holy and good (Romans 7:12). But its purpose was never to save us—it was to show us that we needed a Savior. Paul said in Galatians:
“I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”
– Galatians 2:21
Ouch. That’s a bold statement. But it makes something very clear: when we cling to rule-following as our righteousness, we make the cross unnecessary.
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The Fruit of Legalism Is Division, Not Devotion
Have you ever met someone who seems more passionate about keeping the Sabbath, avoiding certain foods, or observing biblical feasts than about knowing Jesus intimately?
Often, those caught in legalism unintentionally begin to judge others, isolate themselves from the body of Christ, and even reject biblical grace as “cheap.” This isn’t godliness. It’s a form of spiritual pride.
Jesus had His harshest words for those who were outwardly righteous but inwardly rigid:
“You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.”
– Matthew 23:24
Legalism can become so consuming that it blinds us to mercy.
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So What’s the Right Kind of Obedience?
True obedience flows from a relationship with Jesus—not fear, pressure, or performance. It’s driven by love, guided by the Holy Spirit, and rooted in God’s Word. It’s not about doing more for God—it’s about walking with Him.
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
– John 1:17
We don’t obey to be accepted—we obey because we are accepted.
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Final Thoughts: Come Back to the Narrow Way
Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate…” (Matthew 7:13-14). That gate isn’t rules—it’s Him.
Obedience is a response to His love, not a requirement to earn it.
If you’ve found yourself caught in legalism, let this be your gentle reminder: you can’t add to the finished work of Jesus. The invitation still stands—“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
And if someone you love is stuck in a system of rules, pray for them. Point them back to Jesus, not just to your opinion. Love them with truth. And remember: the narrow road is not the road of perfection—it’s the road of faith.
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