Legalism

Perhaps God purposely left out the particulars of how to live for Him because He desires relationship. Wouldn't it of been easier if He just left us a tidy *to do* list?

He doesn't spell out hard fast and clear *rules* because He wants our hearts not a strict adherence to a *law*. He created man for His own pleasure. For relationship. From the very beginning He desired fellowship.

This is the problem with religion. Religion often promotes everything but a relationship with Him. Religion tells you how but often fails to tell you why. And if we walk in the *how* and forget the *why* we become Pharisees.

He created angels who worship Him all the time. They are always bowing down and giving Him glory. He created us just a little lower than the angels because He wants reciprocal love. Not obligatory love.

God is no longer a legalist. He is gracious and purposely didn't put in black/white formulaic terms just exactly what to *do*. He wants us to abide in Him.

If we mandate 5,6,7 into our walks, we take all the love and joy out of it. Who wants a spouse that loves by checklist. Walk in house...check. Kiss spouse...check. Smile....check. Thats not love. Thats legalism. Certainly all those things are right and necessary for a good healthy relationship but if we are motivated by the checklist and not our love then we are just coffins that look good or as Jesus put it....whited sepluchures.

John 15:15 "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends".