The Unnecessary Burden

For Halloween one year, we bought Gimli a lobster costume. He was absolutely adorable in it! Unfortunately, he didn't love being in it as much as we loved him in it. When we put it on him, he just laid down on the ground & wouldn't move. He didn't know what it was that was on him and wouldn't come off, but he did not like it! For Gimli, the lobster costume was nothing but a burden. It prevented him from being able to walk, run, & play. It was hot, uncomfortable, and got in his way.

I've got a burden that keeps creeping back into my life. I don't have to bear this burden, but it's familiar and makes me feel in control, so I often find myself picking it back up. It doesn't help me or offer me anything valuable. It distracts me from what's true, causes me stress, and monopolizes my time and energy with no results. What is this burden that I keep going back to that only takes from me?

Legalism.

Many Christians- myself definitely included- continue to try to earn God's approval and conquer sin on our own. In a culture that tells us, "You can do anything if you just work hard enough and set your mind to it", believing and trusting in the grace God offers us through Jesus' sacrifice seems lazy and foolish. I try to prove to God that I can do it, that I'm strong enough now to not have to rely on Him anymore. I'm treating Him like training wheels, when in reality, He is my wheel chair.

We are also believing lies about God, not accepting the truth that Jesus' death has forever reconciled us to God and He will accept us forever now. When I sin, I envision God looking at me in anger, heaving a giant sigh and saying, "Cynthia. How could you? How many times to I have to explain this to you before you get it? I freaking died for you. Get it together." That is a huge lie from the enemy to get me to hide from God & heap the burden of legalism on myself. God is not surprised by my sin. Jesus bore the full wrath of God against my sin, and that work is complete.

Resting at the feet of the master

God has done all that is necessary to remove the burden of earning salvation and defeating sin from us through Jesus. He is not a harsh, abusive slave driver. He is a gracious Lord to serve. Serving Him is not always easy, but never burdensome. Let's leave the burden of legalism at the foot of the cross where it was forever made obsolete.

Matthew 11:28-30: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.