Are You Worshiping Rules Instead of Jesus?

Introduction

As Christians, we all want to live in a way that honors God. But sometimes, in our effort to do the “right” thing, we can lose sight of what matters most: our relationship with Jesus.

Have you ever focused so much on following the rules that you forget why you’re doing it in the first place? It’s an easy trap to fall into, and it’s called legalism.

Legalism happens when we prioritize rules and outward behaviors over a genuine relationship with God. It’s when we begin to rely on our own efforts to earn favor with Him instead of resting in His grace.

The question we need to ask ourselves is this: Are we worshiping rules instead of Jesus?

What Is Legalism?

Legalism is not just about being disciplined or striving to live a godly life. It’s about making rules the center of our faith rather than Jesus.

It’s the belief—whether consciously or not—that we can earn God’s love or salvation through our own actions. But the Bible reminds us:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9

Signs of Legalism:

• Judging others based on their actions or appearances.
• Believing God’s approval depends on how well we follow the rules.
• Focusing on performance instead of God’s grace.

While obedience to God is important, it should flow out of love for Him not a sense of duty or fear.

How Legalism Creeps into Our Faith

Most of us don’t intend to become legalistic—it often starts with good intentions. We want to honor God and stay accountable, but somewhere along the way, our focus shifts from Jesus to the rules.

Here’s how it happens:

• Mistaking discipline for salvation: We confuse spiritual practices, like reading the Bible or attending church, with earning God’s approval.
• Seeking control: Rules feel safe, but they can make us overly self-reliant instead of dependent on God’s grace.
• Prioritizing tradition over truth: Sometimes, church culture or traditions become more important than what the Bible says.

Even the Pharisees fell into this trap. They were so focused on following the law that they completely missed the message of love and grace that Jesus came to share.

My Struggle with Legalism

When I first became a Christian, I stumbled hard into legalism.

I had a distorted view of God because of my past experiences. Growing up, I occasionally attended Catholic church on Sundays (much love to my Catholic brothers and sisters this is just my personal experience). To me, the faith felt distant, cold and unfeeling, and I never truly encountered God there.

Later, as a teenager, I became an atheist, which only deepened my misconceptions about God. I viewed Him as strict, mean, and impossible to please—a God who was waiting for me to fail.

So, when I got saved, I carried that flawed perspective into my faith. I thought I had to prove myself to God by living up to impossible standards. I became obsessed with doing everything “right” but deep down, I felt frustrated and defeated.

Looking back, I now see that during my legalism era, I was exactly like what Jesus described:

“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” – Mark 7:6

I struggled constantly with sin and could never seem to overcome it. Why? Because I was relying on my own efforts instead of God’s grace. I thought I had to be holy in my own strength, but I kept failing. Eventually, I felt so discouraged that I questioned whether I even wanted to be a Christian anymore.

But then I encountered grace.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works.” – Ephesians 2:8-9

When I finally began to understand that salvation isn’t about my works but about God’s grace, everything changed. I didn’t have to rely on my own strength anymore I could rest in His. God patiently showed me that His love isn’t something I have to earn. It’s a gift, freely given.

The Dangers of Worshiping Rules Instead of Jesus

Legalism isn’t just a distraction it’s dangerous for our faith. Here’s why:

• It creates spiritual burnout: When we’re constantly striving to “measure up,” we lose the joy and freedom that comes from knowing Christ.
• It fosters judgment: Legalism often leads to comparing ourselves with others, which can create division and self-righteousness.
• It distracts from grace: Instead of embracing God’s love, we focus on our own performance.

The Bible warns us against this mindset:

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1

Grace vs. Legalism: What Jesus Taught

Jesus didn’t come to impose more rules He came to bring us freedom through grace. Throughout the Gospels, we see Him challenge the legalistic mindset of the Pharisees.

• Healing on the Sabbath: The Pharisees accused Jesus of breaking the law by healing on the Sabbath, but He reminded them that love and mercy are more important than rigid rules (Mark 3:1-6).
• The Pharisee and the Tax Collector: In this parable, Jesus showed that humility and repentance matter more to God than outward displays of righteousness (Luke 18:9-14).
• The Greatest Commandments: Jesus boiled the entire law down to two principles: loving God and loving others (Matthew 22:37-40).

Are You Worshiping Rules Instead of Jesus?

Take a moment to reflect. Are you relying on your own efforts to please God? Do you feel like your worth is tied to how well you follow the rules? Here are some questions to consider:

• Am I more focused on doing things “right” than loving God and others?
• Do I feel judgmental toward other Christians who don’t live like I do?
• Is my relationship with God driven by fear of failure instead of trust in His grace?

It’s okay to admit if legalism has crept into your faith it happens to many of us. Recognizing it is the first step to freedom.

How to Break Free from Legalism

Breaking free from legalism doesn’t mean throwing out discipline or obedience—it means re-centering your faith on Jesus. Here’s how:

1. Prioritize your relationship with Jesus: Spend time in prayer and Scripture, not out of obligation but to grow closer to Him.
2. Focus on God’s grace: Remind yourself that His love isn’t something you can earn—it’s a gift.
3. Practice humility: Recognize that everyone is on their own journey with God. Extend grace to others instead of judgment.
4. Find supportive community: Surround yourself with believers who encourage you to focus on Christ rather than rules.

Conclusion

God doesn’t want your performance He wants your heart. He desires a genuine relationship with you, not a checklist of rules. Legalism may promise security, but it only leads to judgment, and distraction from the beauty of God’s grace.

Let’s choose to worship Jesus, not rules. When we do, we’ll experience the freedom and joy that comes from walking in His love.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17

If you’ve been caught in legalism, know that God is ready to meet you with open arms. Take a step toward Him today, and let His grace transform your heart.