Holy Fear or Religious Bondage? The Fine Line Every Believer Must Know

I used to be legalistic—holding myself and others to an impossible standard. I thought I was walking in the fear of the Lord, but in reality, I had slipped into a religious spirit.

Here’s the danger: a religious spirit can attach itself to genuine holiness, leading to judgment, division, and isolation. But Scripture says something powerful: The disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit—and with joy! True fear of the Lord doesn’t lead to condemnation—it leads to joy and stability.