If someone were to ask me if I were legalistic my answer would be, “No way, not me.” But last night I caught myself asking myself that very question.

Websters.com defines legalism (the root of legalistic) as:

1.	strict adherence, or the principle of strict adherence, to law or prescription, esp. to the letter rather than the spirit.

2.	Theology. a. the doctrine that salvation is gained through good works. b. the judging of conduct in terms of adherence to precise laws.

3.	(initial capital letter) (in Chinese philosophy) the principles and practices of a school of political theorists advocating strict legal control over all activities, a system of rewards and punishments uniform for all classes, and an absolute monarchy.

When I say legalism, I am speaking of a Christian view. I find people that people who subscribe to legalism seem to find find fault with many things, from drinking, smoking, dancing, cussing, Rated R movies, and anything else they believe the Bible clearly (to them) says not to do, i.e. sin. I do not have a problem with people that believe in legalism. If at a persons core they believe it is sin to do something and they choose to refrain, that is cool. It is their choice and it is their own personal relationship with God in which they are responsible for and I applaud them for their convictions, but I do have a problem with…

Legalistic People. To me a legalistic person is different than a person who practices legalism. A legalistic person forces their belief structure on everyone and anything. If they see someone smoking, they look at that person with disdain. If they see someone drinking a beer, they will shake their head with a holier than thou look on their face. A legalistic person wouldn’t be caught dead going to see a Rated R movie (well, except for Passion of The Christ). A legalistic person is an overbearing jerk, even when they might be right… in my humble opinion.

So last night I wrestled with the question, “Am I legalistic?”

I hung out with a good friend who drinks, smokes and cusses, among other things that I don’t necessarily agree with. He took me to a place with some of his other friends that were drinking, smoking, cussing, and farting, all the while trying to fix one of the friends truck. These guys accepted me. They offered me a beer. They offered me a smoke. (btw I declined both) We stood around in a parking lot for about an hour talking, laughing and just having a good time.

These guys were good to each other. They were nice to each other. They shared their resources with each other. They cared about each other, all the while they were “sinning.”

I really don’t have an end to this post, but I wonder if the church could act more like these guys who were helping out a friend in need when he needed it. I wonder if the church could get past the language, the alcohol, the smoke, the color of skin and just help people out when they were in need?

As I read the Gospel, it sure seems to me that is what Jesus did.