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As we’ve written many times in Deuteronomy, these laws can seem foreign to us. In some ways, they prescribe almost an ascetic type of lifestyle. Asceticism is defined as a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from sensual pleasures, often for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals. It sounds good on the surface, but can be dangerous to a believer. Paul writes about this in his letter to Timothy.
But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.
1 Timothy 4:1-5 NASB
The laws given by God were required for the holiness and protection of His people, but they also could become a stumbling block when taken to the extreme. Not surprisingly, this is exactly what happened later with the religious leaders as they piled all kinds of ridiculous laws upon the people.
The most glaring character trait of someone who has embraced religion over relationship is their lack of joy. Often, legalistic people will go to any means to preserve their own man-made laws and practices. Again, just take the religious leaders as an example. Jesus came to show them the heart of God through grace, mercy, and forgiveness and they plotted with false accusations to have Him killed. They did this because their rules and authority were being threatened.
Legalistic people today are often the meanest gossips. They go around biting at others who threaten their “authority” and have zero interest in feeling compassion for others. This is the result of someone who attempts to find their spiritual identity in the law. It cannot save; it only reveals sin.
We must remember that while the law is important, the church was established on the doctrine of grace and truth. Jesus died so that we would know love and make that the foundation of our lives.