Missional Christianity: The "New Legalism?"

I recently ran across an article posing the question: "Has radical Christianity become the newest form of legalism?" I didn't read the article right away, but instead let the question roll around in my mind for a few days and thought on it. Here's what I've decided:

Legalism can be explained in an easy equation, which states that "Jesus + Something=Nothing." When we add anything to Jesus/the Gospel and believe that it--no matter how good "it" is--will make us more meritorious in God's sight, we've entered into a legalistic mindset. So, yes, when focusing on "being uncomfortable for the sake of the gospel" becomes the "endgame" and attempts to take the place of the gospel, then it has become legalistic.

BUT simply focusing on missional living and questioning if I'm too comfortable where I am does not signify legalism.

After skimming the article, I understand the point the writer is attempting to make. He believes that when churches focus on missional, radical living "ordinary people" are shamed by not living extraordinary lives.

The writer makes generalizations, though, assuming that by encouraging believers--specifically millenial believers--to live on mission end up shaming thems. Being shamed, young Christians no longer want to work in ordinary jobs and do ordinary things with their life, and feel bad if they go about life this way. While, unfortunately, there are probably a handful of churches that participate in this type of shaming, I don't believe that this is the majority of missional churches.

These missional churches are not force-feeding the idea to their people that they all need to give up all of their belongings, move to a third-world country, and sleep on a hard floor. The idea of missional living is simple...no matter where we are or what we’re doing, where we’re at is a mission field. We have the opportunity to build intentional relationships with co-workers, classmates, acquaintances, etc. And, to me, the idea of Radical Christianity (as I’ve read about it)*** means that we are offering our full lives to God and saying “Do as You please.”

For some, the radical living and living in step with the Spirit will mean moving to a third-world country. While for others, it might mean loosening the grip on material possession and self-focus to, instead, spend time building relationships with the single mother down the street.

The missional, radical way of living is a way that I hope and pray I live out my daily life...not because I believe it raises me any higher in God’s sight, but because I want to make His name known to all that I encounter.

***I will be the first to admit that I have not completely read all of David Platt's Radical, which this idea is based off of. I am basing this off of other reading I've done on the idea of Radical Christianity through blog posts, articles, and other books.