Modern sentiments are pushing back against a legalistic way of practicing faith leading to the cultural pendulum swinging wide in the other direction—one of lax or no standards. So how do you know if you’re raising your girl in a legalistic faith journey or not? 

The litmus test for this roots squarely in the deep outflow of joy in your girl’s heart. Legalism says she has to perform—to manage her behavior no matter the state of her heart. Walking in grace-filled faith means she obeys the Lord’s commands out of gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice. Legalism demands perfection; grace revels in the journey toward Christ-likeness. 

In the next discipline or training conversation, focus on the behavior’s root—then let that inform her heart change to reflect Christ. Then thank God for the journey. 

Listen to the Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay: