Marsha's Musings: Self Appointed Fruit Inspectors (Hebrews 7:18, 19 ESV)

For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. (Hebrews 7:18, 19 ESV)

It is sad that many people look to rules and rituals to make themselves acceptable to God.  This is nothing more than legalism...looking to the law to be made perfect by it.  

It creeps into the lives of those who are saved already by the grace of God too.  I've been guilty of it. It looks like this:  You begin to point a condemning finger at those who don't measure up to your standard of righteousness.  This accomplishes two things. 1.) It makes the finger pointer feel justified that they are "more spiritual" than the other person. 2.)  It wounds the heart of the other Christian who takes his faith seriously but is being unjustly maligned by this legalistic, self justified, self appointed "fruit inspector".

The only basis we have for true hope and peace with God whereby we can draw near to him is through the work of Jesus Christ to fulfill the law perfectly on our behalf.

Do not allow finger pointers to trip you up in your faith and do not fall into the trap of pointing fingers at those who do not measure up to your standard of righteousness.  We need to be merciful with each other.