Vital Signs: Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Rules or Relationship

Jesus was tested by people who put rules over relationships. Those leaders were guilty of what we today call legalism. They pretended to be perfect, and instead of loving others, they demanded that others follow rules they couldn’t follow themselves.

Jesus said, “They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden. What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence!” - ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬, ‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Legalism not only condemns people when Jesus didn’t, it also promotes dogmatism. How? We tend to turn our personal experiences into convictions which we impose on others without the blessing of Jesus.

Example: Just because Jesus tells me to eat an orange doesn’t mean he’s told you to eat an orange.

How can we guard against legalism? We know we’re off the road and in the ditch when we are:

1. Pretending that we can measure up to God by keeping rules that we have written

2. Trying to create morality from the outside in rather than the inside out

3. Focusing on cultural conformity instead of biblical spirituality

4. Judging others because they don’t fit our rules

There’s a big difference between good intentions and Biblical instruction. How about we just stick to the Great Commandment: Loving God and Loving People.

Team Wade is praying for you and we love you and there’s nothing you can do about it ❤️👊