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Christians to Avoid

By Charles R. Swindoll
 
 
The Christian life is a life of resisting those who would bring you into bondage. Paul says, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8).

Beware of the legalists. He calls it “philosophy.” He calls it “empty deception.” He bases it on tradition of men. Notice it’s not the tradition of God.

I want to tell you candidly, as I was growing up, I cannot remember a preacher ever warning me about this — ever. And I remember being in one legalistic church after another where lists are given from the pulpit, not from the Bible. “This is what you’re supposed to do,” and “this is how you’re supposed to live,” and “these are the things you are to be allowed to do in entertainment,” and “this is the way you’re to live your private life,” and “these are the things that are to be in your refrigerator, but not this. And you’re supposed to do this, but you can’t go here.” And you know all the lists that have been laid on you. The whole point is beware of being enslaved.

Let me say this very, very directly. People like that are not to be ignored, they are not to be obeyed, they are not to be tolerated. Legalism has no place in the church of Jesus Christ, but the church is shot through with legalism. You will find it in many missionary organizations. You will find it in some Christian schools and seminaries. You will find legalism running rampant in Bible study groups where small gatherings are together. Theirs is the way to think. Theirs is the way to live. It’s legalism.

Be careful about that which isolates you from the body of Christ. Be careful about listening to just one teacher or just one preacher. The body of Christ is a cafeteria. There are many places to find good food. Don’t just listen to one set of tapes, or pay attention to just one “authority.”

You know what’s lacking? The centrality of Christ. That’s why Paul keeps bringing us back to the centrality of Christ — “rather than according to Christ.” It’s all there.


Charles R. Swindoll, adapted from “How Can I Begin the Christian Life?” in the Practical Christian Living series.

About the Author:  Charles R. Swindoll


 
Chuck Swindoll