When did pursuing holiness become legalistic?
Not long ago, a friend invited me out to a movie. I politely declined. There were multiple reasons for this. Movie tickets are expensive, even when it is a matinee. I can never avoid the temptation of purchasing that jumbo-sized bag of popcorn – yes, I would like extra artery-clogging butter, please, and thank you. Sticky floors and not comfy seats just aren’t worth it. However, many theaters have some significant upgrades and clean floors these days. Truth be told, I’ve now become that person who prefers to invite a few friends over, watch a movie on my own TV, in my comfy clothes, and on my comfy couch with a healthier snack that doesn’t cost $50+.
There is another reason I declined this particular movie: it was a secular movie. *Gasp* I know. I know. Those secular movies! Cue the “goody-goody” reference – I’m okay with it, and as you continue to read, you’ll learn why.
I would have gone to the movie about five or so years ago. Back then, I could justify it by saying that the cuss words and other sinful behavior shown in the movie didn’t bother me nor cause me to want to sin. I was able to see past all of that and appreciate the storyline. And, by golly, I can relate some of it to the Christian life! The same holds for music. Sometimes I just longed to listen to 90’s country – back when it still sounded like country. I had the perfect playlist that I would crank up while doing chores. Boot scootin’ boogie took on a whole new meaning while vacuuming the floors! I also had the most epic 80s music playlist that had me singing in my hairbrush and wondering if stores still sell Aquanet or Teen Beat.
Back in the day, I could justify all of my choices – especially the decisions to watch PG-13 movies and music that had lyrics about somebody getting tipsy at a watermelon festival. While I don’t remember anyone in particular, there were times when I would meet someone who chose not to watch those kinds of movies or listen to that kind of music. My immediate judgment was that they thought themselves better than someone like me and were a goody-goody. You know, that person who seems to do nothing wrong. Ever. It must be nice to be so perfect. So, when did things change for me? It may be evident that I’m writing this because my perspective has changed, and you would be right. In fact, my view has changed drastically.
A little over two years ago, I decided to dig into the Word of God like never before by listening to expositional preaching and in-depth Bible Study. All of my church life, sermons were always topical. The Pastor would choose a topic, usually relevant to life, and teach what the Bible says about the topic. Not necessarily a wrong way to preach. In fact, there is absolutely a time and a place for topical preaching. It’s good to focus on topics – especially hot-button ones or those focusing on issues we face today. Recent examples would be social justice, unity, sexual identity, etc. Yes, it is definitely good to preach topically from time to time.
But there is something powerful about preaching verse by verse through an entire book of the Bible and teaching how it relates to our lives today. I became aware of verses and context in scripture that I had never noticed before. It may have been taught to me sometime in the past, but I didn’t remember. As a result, it became my passion to encourage other Christian women to read the entire context of a verse. Something else happened in a much deeper place – my soul.
I began looking at things from a different perspective—everything from politics and social issues to my personal choices. Areas of my life I had been willing to compromise or justify were challenged. Some decisions needed to be made concerning what I was pursuing, not just Biblically but also what I pursued for entertainment, what I was doing to “pass the time,” and what sorts of conversations I was partaking in. Did I need to use that word to describe an unpleasant situation? Now that my roots were growing deeper in the Word of God, compromising and justifying sinful behavior was becoming more difficult.
What was also interesting was that I noticed I was becoming that girl I called a goody-goody. Oh, dear! Am I becoming too legalistic? Am I going “too far” with my Christian ways? I mean, God knows I’m not perfect. Am I trying to be perfect, and is trying to be perfect the right thing to do? So many questions! All good questions. And I found all my answers. Can you guess where? That’s right! The B-I-B-L-E! (I hope you spelled that and sang the song…)
A truth I had to wrap my head around was that if I am saved and declare Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I should desire to live in a way that pleases Him and reflects Christ-like behavior. But living this way isn’t what “earns” my spot in Heaven. That has already been decided. And I think that is where we learn more about the difference between legalism and holiness and how the two are getting confused by those who say they are Christian.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice.
Philippians 4:4-9 ESV
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
These verses appear near the end of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. In this letter, he is encouraging them in their faith. Reminding them to live as citizens of heaven and thank them for their support. Many scholars believe that Paul was writing from prison. Imprisonment carried a social stigma. Yet, the Philippians never turned their back on Paul and remained faithful to him. The other reason for writing to the Philippians was to encourage them to continue making progress in their faith. The church in Philippi was healthy in contrast to the churches in Corinth and Galatia, but Paul wanted to make it clear that didn’t mean they should relax and rest. I love how my ESV Study Bible puts it when explaining the reasoning for this encouragement: The world is too perilous, and the gospel too glorious.
The entire book of Philippians is a great book to study, and I encourage you to do so!
Verses 8 and 9 of the scripture shared above – Paul is telling the Philippians what they should be filling their minds with. These things should inspire worship of God and service to others.
Here’s another verse as we take a step further into the idea of holiness –
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life – is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
1 John 2:15-17 ESV
One important distinction when reading these verses is not to read them as a total rejection of the world. After all, when we read John 3:16, we read that because of God’s love for the world, He sent Jesus.
This is a different kind of love. Not the kind of love that describes why God sent Jesus to save the world. The words in 1 John are a warning against devotion to worldly things that are opposed to God. John then gives examples such as the desires of the flesh and eyes and the pride of life. Let’s explore all three of these examples.
Desires of the flesh
This refers to indulging in physical or sensual pleasure in ways that are contrary to God’s will. This includes excessive consumption of food or alcohol, engaging in promiscuous or immoral sexual behavior, or becoming addicted to substances or activities that harm one’s health and well-being. In today’s society, I can think of quite a few examples. Especially since it is the month of June and a certain “desire of the flesh” is constantly being promoted via all channels. But this expands to so much more when it comes to holiness that I’ll share a little further down in this post.
Desires of the eyes
This temptation involves coveting and longing for material possessions or worldly treasures. In today’s consumerist society, people often find themselves drawn to materialistic pursuits and the constant desire for the latest gadgets (apple, anyone?), fashion trends, or luxurious lifestyles. It can lead to a preoccupation with wealth, greed, and the pursuit of worldly success at the expense of spiritual values. I remember in the mid-80’s a certain popular shoe brand came with a blue label on the heel. If your shoe had that blue label, you were considered “in” or “cool.” There were other versions of the shoe. In fact, the style was identical. But don’t you dare wear the other brand because you are not in style if there is no blue label. And if you are not “in style,” then the door to teasing is opened. And who wants to be teased? I look back at the time in life and just shake my head. Does a blue label on a shoe really make that much of a difference? What about your phone? Are you always needing the latest model? Why?
Pride of life
This temptation revolves around arrogance, self-centeredness, and seeking recognition or status. In the age of social media, individuals may succumb to the desire for personal validation and attention, constantly seeking approval and admiration through carefully curated images and narratives. The focus shifts towards self-promotion, comparison with others, and the pursuit of popularity or influence, which can undermine humility and genuine relationships. Just scroll through your social media feed, and you will see this. Unfortunately, this kind of pride has appeared in the church as well. Worship ministry can be tricky because many churches have a band leading in front of the congregation. Over the years, I have witnessed prideful hearts as they “performed” a “concert” instead of centering their worship on the Lord. We see pride show in Pastors as well!
Desires of the flesh, eyes, and pride are the very things that will call holiness legalistic. I have heard every excuse. “Watching that movie won’t make me lust or desire the same thing.” “Listening to this song is just fun. The lyrics don’t influence me.” “It’s good for me to play my best and have the latest gear to help me do so. I’ve gotta have the best sound to honor the Lord!”
How can we not think these things will influence us in some way? I’m a walking example of being influenced whether I wanted to be or not. If the Bible is telling me to pursue what is holy and pleasing to the Lord, then that is what I need to be pursuing.
A final argument I have heard when it comes to holiness is the idea of wanting to be relatable to those who do not know God…yet. There is so much to unpack with this perspective that would require a completely new blog post, but I will say this – that perspective would equal saying something like this, “I need to sin so I can relate to other sinners.” My answer – what??? How does one get to that idea of evangelizing to others when the Bible is explicitly clear about sin?
Here are some more verses. I encourage you to look these up, especially if you have a study Bible. Read the commentary and related verses. You will soon find yourself on a rabbit trail of what it means to be holy.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2 ESV
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:13-16 ESV
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
James 4:4 ESV
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Colossians 3:1-2
Sister in Christ, we are called to live a holy and distinct life where God is prioritized over everything else. When we embrace a mindset and lifestyle that aligns with God’s holiness, we experience a deeper relationship with Him and reflect His character to the world around us.
I am content with being a goody-goody if it means I am pursuing holiness. And, when I mess up, I run to the Lord in humility and receive His grace and mercy. It’s okay to not go to that movie. It’s okay to not fit in if it means you say and do things that do not honor the Lord. When you do pursue holiness, do so in humility.
He has told you, O man, what is good: and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 ESV
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3 ESV
How to apply all this.
No, you do not need to go to that movie. It’s okay to turn it down.
Is that TV show really the way you should be spending your time? How is it honoring the Lord?
Pay attention to how you respond when faced with these decisions. Is your immediate reaction to go on the defense and justify your decision, or is it a reaction from a place of humility and honoring the Lord?
When participating in conversations with non-believers (or even those who profess to be Christian), guard the words that come out of your mouth. You don’t need to swear in an effort to fit in. You should be standing out for the glory of God!
No, condemning and not supporting sinful behavior is NOT legalistic. Stand firm in the truth!
When someone calls you a goody-goody, respond in humility. Don’t get proud about your goody-two-shoes, either. Always default to humility.
And when in doubt or unsure about something, go to the Word of God and trust Him. This includes when someone tries to tell you that you are being legalistic in your pursuit of holiness.
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