10 Characteristics Of Legalistic Christian Leaders And 7 Ways To Overcome Being One

Your church and the pastor you sit under should give a competitive advantage in business for the following reasons:

1. You should be know better than most how to treat people.
2. You should set the example in serving others.
3. You should have a higher commitment to excellence.
4. You should be better at conflict resolution.
5. You should understand how to best yield to and leverage authority.
6. The Bible is the best textbook on how to use money.
7. You should exercise greater patience with others.
8. You should complain less than others and have a better sense of contentment.
9. You should have the insight to see the absolute best in others.
10. You should be a better decision-maker because of your understanding of biblical truth.

Because of these truths, having Crawford Loritts as my senior pastor makes me a better leader and gives me a competitive advantage.  Recently, he taught our church about “The Silent Deadly Issue Of Christendom – Legalism”.  None of us want to be legalistic leaders and Crawford’s preaching shined some light in this area for me.  So much so, I knew I needed to pass his thoughts on to you.

The following are 10 Characteristics Of Legalistic Leaders:

1. Legalism is a convergence of guilt, fear and performance driven by a need to please others.  As Crawford pointed out, this is also an excellent definition of legalism.
2. Legalist point to behavior and actions as the basis of their relationship with God.
3. Legalism is an addiction that robs us of self-awareness and objective behavior.
4. Legalism feeds spiritual pride.
5. Legalist’s performance leads to self-deception and the creation of a false identity.
6. Legalist confuse change of behavior with true heart repentance.
7. Significance to a legalist is based upon performance and action.
8. The trap of legalism is thinking we are never good enough to be loved by God.
9. Legalists talk grace but live as though they do not need it.
10. Legalism is an over-compensation for the failures we struggle with.

The following are 7 ways to overcome being a legalistic Christian leader:

1. Understand your approval is from God, not people.
2. See yourself as weak and dependent.
3. Do not become an “accidental Pharisee”.
4. Develop a vision of God’s unconditional love.
5. Make your love relationship with Jesus the focus of your life.  Place Jesus on the throne of your heart.
6. Always question your motives.
7. Think clearly about truth.  Understand the difference between Principles/Precepts (biblical truth) and Preferences and Prejudices.

Do you struggle with legalism?  If so, what is one lesson you learned from this list which will make you a better leader?

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