This may be one of the most confusing issues for Christians. As we get embroiled in the struggle between the flesh and our new identity, we often set out to change things on our own. We try our best to quit doing what we've become aware is wrong. This is what the Bible calls legalism . Living under the law.
Legalism is an attempt to reform our flesh.
It is the attitude or belief that our acceptance is based on performance . Legalists are usually motivated by guilt and the belief that they will succeed if they just try a little harder. As noble as these thoughts might seem, they are destined for failure. Our efforts at self-reform won't work and it's very destructive. Legalism breeds attitudes and thinking that actually drives a wedge between ourselves and God's work in our lives.