What do you believe.

If you've followed this blog for any length of time, you've seen me write about legalism and the pitfalls that it can create. Does this mean you should just throw caution to the wind and do whatever you feel like doing then ask God's forgiveness later? Some would say, "yes". These opinions I hold come from experience and what knowledge I've gained of biblical principles over the years. One major pitfall I've seen in my lifetime is the lack of teaching in the church, and at home. Parents think the little cherubs they're raising will learn it from the church, and the church thinks the little ones will learn it from their parents. Whose responsibility is it? After seeing how I grew up and raising children of my own I'd say both. Why? Because a parent can "preach" the same thing over and over with it falling on the seemingly deaf ears of their children. The church can repeat these same principles over and over but if it is not reinforced or lived out at home it seems like useless chatter. As my kiddos have gotten older, when the pastor states something during, church service that I've said at home, their eyes get big and they look right at me. The look often says to me, "Wow Mom, you weren't making that up". I am sure by now you're asking, "What does all of this have to do with legalism"? One of the things I learned very little about growing up in a denominational church was why the church believed what they said they believed. I remember, as an early teen, our pastor took over the youth group for a while (usually it was a willing parent). I was excited because I had so many questions that I wanted answered. Instead of getting a proper catechism {(definition) A summary of the principles of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for the instruction of Christians} we got a list of things our church thought were valid "do not's". Some of these well meaning "warning" by laws made it seem that being a faithful follower was an impossible achievement. In doing so, I felt that I could NEVER see Heaven. This is when the catechism information would have come in handy. A list of scripture references backing up the idea that a relationship with Christ is an ongoing process would have been encouraging. I, instead, was left feeling like God could never love a person like me. Knowing such things just led me to see the people in that congregation as being hypocrites. As I have grown up I have been blessed to recognize the gift of discernment. This gift of God has allowed me to work through such issues as I have gotten older. It is definitely a good thing with regards to how my kids are growing, and maturing. Do I feel that you shouldn't have "rules"? No, I am saying however, that you should have good solid bible backed reasons for creating those rules. Back them with multiple scriptures and make sure that it's truly following the reasons you believe something. Let's lift our children up instead of tear them down, build on the positive and gently remind them of the negative. Much the way Christ deals with us as adults. We should also be able to show this same mercy and discretion towards our fellow man, treating people with kindness as Christ did when he walked this earth.