Legalism is a heck of a drug. I grew up around a lot of it. It rears its head in many ways.
Religious Legalism is brought about by fear. What I have coined as “Christian Enthusiasm” is brought about by love.
Legalism seeks to guarantee a status by legal means; you made a decision, you believed, you did something. It puts the weight of salvation on the shoulders of the believer.
It shows up in many ways. The dominant form is the “must/can’t” statements . You must go to church, you can’t do drugs, etc.
While these “must/can’t” statements are, in and of themselves, good, they don’t demonstrate the heart. If you go to church because you have to, you’re going to eventually wear down; chores bring you down, they don’t bring peace.
“Christian Enthusiasm” looks similar to Religious Legalism, inasmuch that you will go to church, you won’t do drugs, etc.
The difference is that the enthusiastic Christian is strongly desiring to do good because of their love for God. It isn’t a means by which to earn anything, it is done out of love for our Maker and King.
The Legalist is trying to buy a ticket to heaven, the Enthusiast is already there; according to the words given to Paul, we’re seated with Him in heavenly places: the Enthusiast knows this, and his gratitude is demonstrated by a robust desire to do the known will of God.
Heavenly Father, Lord of all: thank you for not hiding from us, thank you for revealing Your will to us. Give us strength to seek and obey.