James 1 - The Barrier of God's Goodness

Today, November 6 - One of the great challenges in life is facing the trials, the tribulations and temptations that come into our lives on a daily basis.  How we respond to them is the real issue.  James is specifically writing to assist us with God's truth in dealing with these challenges in James 1.  We can't blame God or others for our failures! God has erected three barriers to keep us from sin.  If we heed the barriers, will receive a crown of life (vs. 12), but if we break through the barriers, we will find a coffin (vs. 15).  The first barrier is a negative one: the judgment of God.  The second barrier is positive: the goodness of God.  The Apostle Paul reminds us of these two barriers in Romans 2:3-4: "And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?"  A fear of God is a healthy attitude, but the love of God must balance it.  We can obey God because He may chasten us; or we can obey Him because He has already been so generous to us, and because we love Him of it!  God bless!