How can I adopt a Christian lifestyle without appearing judgmental or legalistic?

What makes a person pharisaical or legalistic is a lack of genuine love for God. Everything we do should be with one thought in mind: to express love and esteem for Jesus (1 John 3:22). When Christ is honored and reflected to others, they will be drawn to Him. Our question should always be, “Will this honor Jesus? Would I listen to this, sing this, do this, watch this, drink this, buy this, read this, say this, or go there if Jesus were here, in person, with me?”

Jesus is with us (Matthew 28:20), and His angels see everything we do. We must sense Jesus’ presence in every facet and activity of life. When we consciously spend time with Him, we become like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18). Then when people are with us, they will respond as they did to the disciples of old: “They marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). Christians who live like that will never become pharisaical, judgmental, or legalistic.

In Old Testament days, God’s people were in almost constant apostasy because they chose to live as their heathen neighbors rather than follow the distinctive lifestyle God outlined for them (Deuteronomy 31:16; Judges 2:17; 1 Chronicles 5:25). It is still true today. No one can serve two masters. Those who cling to the world’s lifestyle will be slowly molded by Satan to adopt his feelings and desires and, thus, be programmed to be lost. Those who follow Jesus’ principles will be changed into His image and will be prepared for heaven. There is no middle ground.

Jesus said, “He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:38). Following the Lord requires sacrifice, but what we sacrifice is microscopic compared to what we gain. The God of the universe wants to adopt us as His children and to love us forever. He wants to give us everything!

Key Bible Texts

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. (Matthew 15:8 KJV)