Legalism vs Discipline... written by Leeland

*This is a great devotion from the group Leeland. They are one of my favorites! They have a great blog on their website http://www.leelandonline.com/. Check it out!

Legalism vs Discipline

1 Cor. 9:26-27 " So I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

Legalism is doing a list of good things in order to get in right relationship with God (which stands opposed to the true Gospel). Discipline, on the other hand, is doing those same things because you're already in relationship with God. Legalism seeks redemption. Discipline should be the hallmark of the truly redeemed. When we are rooted in the knowledge of God's grace, we are then free to run this race. So that's where we start. The routines or exercises we do aren't out of our effort to win (we've already won) but to FINISH!

We have a generation of people who start but don't finish. The reason they fall out of the race isn't because they don't love God, but it's because they lack discipline. Setting Godly standards in our lives is okay because the Holy Spirit helps us live up to those standards!

If the goals aren't there, then we're setting ourselves up to run aimlessly and ineffectively. And the end result is quitting because we're burnt out, even though we had good intentions. Your intentions don't mean any thing if your actions oppose them.

In a generation that's running around chasing their tails, let's set a different standard. Once again, we're not going for a life of dead legalism. You have to know that God loves you! And this is our motivation for excellence in life.

*If you'd like to learn more from or about Leeland... visit them at http://www.leelandonline.com.

I'd heard many of Leeland's songs on the radio and even heard them performed as special music at church. But it wasn't until I had seen them in concert, The Exit Concert with Raul Ries, that I was totally hooked. The heart they have for God is undeniable. They aren't just a group who sings christian music... they are a group of christains who are out to win souls for the Lord. Refreshing. And to wrap it up... here's a video of one of my favorite Leeland songs. Count Me In. :)





Thanks for reading and God bless!
Mary Ann  :)