ABOUT LEGALISM - Andrew Strom
Posted by: prophetic <prophetic@...>
-Andrew Strom.
During our "TV" discussion someone posted a very interesting
poem. I can't tell if it is somewhat "tongue in cheek" but it certainly
opens up the discussion of what is 'Legalism' and what is 'Holiness'.
Below is a portion of this poem, followed by my own comments:
The HOLINESS PREACHER
by Bill Harper.
The Holiness preacher, a Godly man,
was seen riding his circuit with Bible in hand.
He rode in sunshine and he rode in rain,
he rode when he felt good, and he rode in pain...
Often he fasted, Gods will to achieve,
striving for perfection, lest the Spirit hed grieve.
Often his congregation numbered just a few.
He preached without compromise and he helped them pray through...
He preached against demon rum and the dance.
He spoke against painted up women and games of chance.
The Holiness preacher, a Godly man,
kept up with the times, Gods kingdom to expand...
Few people attended in fancy clothes.
They didnt come to look at others, down their nose.
As he entered into this modern age
he preached against radio as though in a rage.
Avoid the theater also hed say.
Avoid worldliness, walk the strait narrow way.
When moving pictures made their debut
he preached against this devils invention so new.
Movies corrupted our morals said he,
the things they portrayed werent fit for Christians to see.
During the depression he bought a tent,
in which to hold meetings, telling men to repent...
ANDREW AGAIN: The poem about The Holiness Preacher above
is certainly well-done. But can I just say this, my friends-
The old-time Holiness movement that concerned itself with
dancing and bobbed hair and no makeup for women, etc, is
NOT where I am coming from with this TV thing.
A lot of those concerns were about outward things and easily
descended into legalism. I truly believe that TV is gaining access
to the heart of man and that is my main concern. It slowly and
gradually fills peoples minds and lives with complete junk.
To be frank with you, I dont care about bobbed hair and I have
been known to dance enthusiastically with my wife at weddings,
etc. - and also to take her out to the Cinema on occasion. Does
that make me unholy? Is that what we think "holiness" is about?
Is it all about these 'outward' things?
I have to confess to you - when I first read the poem about the
"Holiness preacher" the only thing that sprang to my mind was
that it was not real Holiness - but rather "Legalism" that this man
represented. And yes - this became a huge problem in the old
Holiness circles. You had to have your hair the "right" way and
your dress the "right" way and never attend movies or dances
and on and on.
The only real Holiness I am interested in preaching is Holiness of
the HEART. If our focus is on mere "outward" things then all we
will get from our preaching is a bunch of 'Legalists' who do and say
all the "right" things - but their hearts are proud and self-righteous.
I greatly fear that many "holiness" circles today have the same
legalistic tendencies. It is all about the "right" music styles and
head coverings and long dresses - and the 'Heart' is forgotten in
the rush to get all these "outward" things right. This is no Holiness
at all. God is after a pure heart. He wants the INSIDE of the cup
to be cleaned - rather than all this focus on the 'outside'.
We need to apply this Scripture - "To the pure all things are pure."
This is a place of tremendous freedom - but only if we truly have
a pure heart.
Can we please learn the difference between Holiness and Legalism,
my friends, so this generation does not repeat many of the same
errors as our 'Holiness' forefathers?
Please comment on this article at our website below-
http://www.JohntheBaptistTV.com/
God bless you all!
Andrew Strom.