Is it “legalism”?
Discipleship is hardly an endeavor for the lazy and those who lack the motivation to put in the work.
Am I being a bit legalistic in my approach to prayer and meditation? This is a common and understandable question given the lengthy nature of my times with the Lord and how I encourage others to try it out. Some people believe that one way to attain salvation from God is through constant and deep prayer with Him. I personally do not believe this. I believe that salvation is by grace through faith in what Christ has done alone and not by any work that any person can do (see Eph. 2:8-9). Let me add nothing to what Christ has already accomplished on the cross. So, yes, if a person believes that in order for them to attain salvation, they must “do this or that” (i.e. prayer, meditation, etc.), it might be considered legalism. I, however, do not subscribe to such a belief.
Additionally, I never prescribe to anybody how they should go about meeting with the Lord for themselves. I share my stories and experiences in the hopes of inspiring people to thoughtfully and creatively craft an approach to caring for their souls that is uniquely their own. Although I may spend three to four hours each day in prayer and meditation, I never say to anyone that this is what they must do too. I'm simply showcasing what is possible and encouraging believers to take their walk with Christ more seriously and go further and deeper in their relationship with God.
Some people might complain that what I promote is legalistic because of the hard work that is required in cultivating a robust spirituality. And some, I have observed, are afraid of hard work. I don't deny that growing your relationship with God takes time and effort. You’re working hard alongside God and you’re doing it with His power (see Phil. 4:13). However, anything that is "worth its salt" requires a measure of hard work, doesn't it? And we shouldn't be shy about that. Following Christ (i.e. discipleship) is certainly not for the lazy. Jesus said that "if anyone would come after [Him], let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matt. 16:24 ESV). Discipleship is hardly an endeavor for the lazy and those who lack the motivation to put in the work. I do want to stress, however, that grace is always available throughout the discipleship process as we will often make mistakes and get things wrong.
However, I have found that some people who complain that it’s "legalism" are simply afraid of the time and effort involved in cultivating their souls. This is a somewhat hypocritical complaint. At the same time they cry "legalism," they have no qualms spending enormous amounts of time watching television, playing video games, or engaging in recreational activities. Yet, they never seem to call any of these things they enjoy for hours legalistic pursuits. What they haven't discovered yet is that spending lots of time with the Lord Jesus and doing the hard work of cultivating the soul is actually very enjoyable, satisfying, and profitable. And when something is seen as a great delight, it is hardly considered legalistic to engage in that very thing. If spending enormous amounts of time with Christ and working on your spirituality is more of a drudgery than a delight, then I can understand why someone would claim it to be legalism. But the reason is usually more out of a lack of desire to engage in the hard but satisfying labor of tending to the soul rather than any actual grounds for calling it legalism.
Barnabas the Monastic
Servant of Christ. Husband. Dad. Modern Monastic. I have a wild ambition in life: get as close to the Lord Jesus Christ as I can while on earth. I explore and integrate ancient Christian monk wisdom in modern everyday life. Lives in Canada.
