From legalism to grace

Do you know what it is like to be trapped by legalism? To be trapped in a world where you think that you have to do the right thing or say the right thing to be a Christian? Have you ever felt fear that if people knew the real you, your thoughts, your emotions, that they would never think you were a Christian? That people would judge you and condemn you? Have you ever felt like there was no one to go to with the things you are struggling with because they would accuse you and ask how could you really be a Christian? Those feelings must be suffocating, almost like being imprisoned. You have to hide who you really are from the rest of the world in order to be accepted.

Isn't it amazing that our relationship with Christ is not based on what we do? We did nothing to earn God's love and we cannot do anything to make Him stop loving us. Have you ever been with someone who you know is trapped in that world and then finds the way into a world of freedom and grace? Last week, I had the chance to see God open the eyes of a girl to the reality of His love, mercy, and grace.

Isn't it amazing that our relationship with Christ is not based on what we do? We did nothing to earn God's love and we cannot do anything to make Him stop loving us. So, being with someone who you know is trapped in that world of legalism is heartbreaking. However, if and when they find the way into a world of freedom and grace it is wonderful to see. Last week, I had the chance to see God open the eyes of a girl to the reality of His love, mercy, and grace.

As I think I have shared before, it is very difficult to find teachers, even more difficult to find teachers who are Christians, and then on top of that even more difficult to find teachers who are willing to live and work where our projects are. A couple of weeks ago I went up to one of our projects for a meeting with the teachers and to handle some of other issues. Considering the difficulties in finding teachers, you can imagine my suprise when I learn that a woman has shown up to the nursery school asking for a job.

When I first met her, there was a harshness to her personality that came across right away. She was cold and withdrawn and very severe with the children. Later, I learned that she had caned one of the children that morning. Unfortunately this is still quite commonplace in the public schools. Even though they have been taught to not use the stick, that is how they were raised and how they were treated in school. Hence, most revert back to it when they do not know what else to do. After talking to her, I learned that she is an orphan that has a relationship with the pastor and his wife that lead the project. Many of the children at the school in this village are orphans. Because of the relationship, I realize that I will need to interview her despite my desire to dismiss her. We had a long day and everyone was ready to leave and this was not part of the agenda. The interview would make everyone wait and we had a long drive home ahead of us.

Ultimately the decision to hire a teacher is not mine, I am only an advisor. I usually lead the process in an effort to help the pastor, head teacher, and others have a better understanding of the skills and character of the candidate. During the course of the interview, this teacher remained cold and distant and gave trite answers. Eventually, many of the people left the interview including the pastor. Often times this means that they no longer have an interest in that person. But, I continued. In order to understand how a teacher disciplines, we ask a series of "situational" questions. She gave quick answers but insisted that she would never cane. At this point, she did not know that I had already been told. We made sure that she understood what we were asking, and she was clear that she did not cane a child that day. Bottom line, she lied. At this point, I was ready to give up, call it a day, and say thank you for your time.

However, that is not what God had in store. I knew that God wanted there to be more with this girl. She was harsh and severe for a reason. Even though she claimed to be a Christian, there was something missing. So, I asked her if she knew that God loved her. She seemed a bit caught off guard by the question. We talked more about God's love and grace and both the head teacher and I shared times where we saw the goodness of God work in our lives. In addition, we shared that at the school the desire was to have an environment of mercy and grace where teachers felt free to make mistakes and ask for help. There is no shame in making a mistake or doing something wrong. We are there to help and support the teachers because everyone is in process and God is a God of love and acceptance. Watching her eyes and expression soften was amazing. You could see her begin to process it all and find peace and freedom. At the end we asked her if there was any answer she had given before that she would like to change. We knew that she did not know what kind of school we have and what are expectations were, but it is important to be transparent and honest so that we can move forward.

After a few moments, she replied that she did cane a child. You could see a little fear in her eyes when she admitted this. However, we assured her that it was okay. She did not know our rules on caning and even if she had it takes time to learn other ways of discipline and we are here to help and develop her as a teacher. Relief just flooded her face and the harshness was replaced with a huge smile and warmth. We spent time praying with her and offered her the job. Several others quickly commented on the transformation of the girl and asked what occured. I had a plan to interview a possible teacher. God had a plan to take a precious child that He loves and cares deeply about from a place of legalism to the wonderful world of grace. Isn't God good?