Liberty or license? A little balance

Recently on this blog I have discussed the need for us to reject legalism. This is a main theme of Paul's epistle to the Galatian believers. But this concept must be seen in balance with the biblical calls to live a holy life. The obvious application of this that lives right out on the surface of the issue is the fact that the Bible calls us to focus on our own personal sanctification—not to be concerned that others are doing the things that we are convicted we must do to be holy.

Walter Cradock

I would do a hundred things that Christ hath not commanded, and leave undone a hundred things that Christ hath not forbidden, rather than be tied to one thing by men that Christ hath not commanded.

But when we dig a little deeper below the surface of this issue, we realize that an overemphasis on our freedoms in Christ could give the impression that the Christian may do whatever he pleases—that he must not live by any rules, that he may sin with impunity. "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" This is the question that the Apostle Paul rhetorically asked when traveling the periphery of this topic. And his answer? "Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?"

So then, we Christians are free in Christ—not bound to man-made rules and regulations (in fact, advised to not follow man-made rules and regulations), but we are also told that rather than joining the mob mentality of following regulations we are to hold ourselves to a personal standard that reaches far beyond what the man-made laws could ever demand.

1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Consider this:

Jesus made the point that the Christian is to focus on his own personal attitudes when these things arise. And he revealed the hypocrisy we are so prone to by showing that outward obedience to God's laws does not necessarily indicate actual obedience.

Mat 5:27-30   “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

The passage continues as Jesus lays out many ways that we should "go the extra mile"—following the spirit of the law rather than limiting ourselves to the letter of the law. And why are we to do this? Jesus continues:

Matthew 5:44-48   That you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

We are not called to flaunt our freedom in Christ. We are called to be perfect. You can't have a higher standard than perfection. But notice that all of these directives are for us to be intent on the state of our own heart—not to be concerned with forcing others to comply

Training others is the crux of the balance that we must be vigilant to maintain. If we get lazy and don't portray the full picture we doom the next generation to liscentiousness or to legalism.

Creating Legalism.   If we teach extra-biblical standards without explaining to our children or those under our care that these are personal standards—not Bible standards, they will quite likely use those things as measuring rods to condemn others who don't hold to those standards, even though we realize that they are extra-biblical, personal standards—not Bible mandates. I believe this has contributed to the strong and growing current movements that feature ultra-modesty, tight frugality, and "militant fecundity" (making babies non-stop). Many of the people in these movements look down their noses at those who disagree with them on these extra-biblical traditions.

Creating Liscentiousness.   If we preach our liberties in Christ without carefully teaching our children and others that the Christian life is a continual process of personal sanctification, guided by their personal study of the Word and prayer, they are likely to become liscentious adults. I believe this is one of the things that has contributed to the Emergent Church's penchant for foul language (even from the pulpit), alcohol abuse, disrespectful dress, and total acceptance of all forms of entertainment.

John Milton

Honest liberty is the greatest foe to dishonest license.

The Christian life is an all-out effort of pressing further into conformity with Christ. This passion must be driven by a personal desire to be more Christlike. When we allow our own passions—rather than Christ's passion—to motivate our actions, we lose our balance and fall by the wayside.

We began this discussion in Paul's letter to the Galatians, so it would be appropriate for us to look at how Paul handles the needed focus of our hearts in this matter:

Galatians 6:7-10   Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.