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Via the Facebook viral pipes my wife stumbled upon this great song by Derek Webb entitled ‘New Law’. (by ‘great‘ I mean more so lyrically than musically)
I’ve been a part of churches that have embraced both of the following ideals.
- A legalistic approach where you were told both what you can and can not do.
- The non-legalistic approach (compromising as some would say) that is spoken of in the song here.
Let me just say this… It’s MUCH easier to live legalistically! Man by nature wants to be told what to do to achieve a desired end result. When you take away those rules it’s much more difficult to cultivate a relationship with God knowing that we ourselves are responsible for our own salvation (Phil 2:12). But let me add that while it’s harder, it’s also much more fulfilling! When a road-map is not laid out at your feet by man, one has to decide: “why do I do what I do?” As you pursue this question honestly and with an open mind, you’ll find yourself cultivating a real one-on-one relationship with the creator, a relationship without a pastoral proxy. You’ll also find yourself you growing as a Christian much more that when one simply obeys a set of guidelines to achieve an eternal destination. This isn’t to say that we are human islands, a pastor will always have a role in shepherding those who he oversees. I think many churches (and more importantly pastors) don’t know where the line should be drawn between shepherding and legislating.
I’m glad to be a part of a church that is striving to achieve that balance. What do you think?
Derek Webb ‘New Law’ Lyrics
Don’t teach me about politics and government
Just tell me who to vote for
Don’t teach me about truth and beauty
Just label my music
Don’t teach me how to live like a free man
Just give me a new law
I don’t wanna know if the answers aren’t easy
So just bring it down from the mountain to me
I want a new law
I want a new law
Gimme that new law
Don’t teach me about moderation and liberty
I prefer a shot of grape juice
Don’t teach me about loving my enemies
Don’t teach me how to listen to the Spirit
Just give me a new law
What’s the use in trading a law you can never keep
For one you can that cannot get you anything
Do not be afraid
I couldn't agree more. We are blessed at our church. And I am excited to hear of other churches that are headed down the same path. God is a great God who longs to have relationship with His children! No rule could ever totally fulfill a void in a person's life, only relationship with the Creator.
I love Derek, and honestly, this is an easier song on the ears than some of his stuff. This song is just great!
However, I'm not sure if I'd say that living legalistly is MUCH easier. I think that initially people find comfort in training wheels but it doesn't take long until we find the very things bringing us comfort doesn't provide depth and meaning.
Because without the law/training wheels it can be terribly intimidating yet the freedom is liberating…and also captivating. How often have the very things we've done in freedom limited our future decisions? Ugh…it's tough.
This is the law/grace debate we love discussing
Thanks for even asking the question WHY. It needs to be constantly brought up!