James 4:11-12

James 4:11-12
Contemporary English Version (CEV)

 When you break a rule, you are making a statement that you know better than the person who put the rule in place.  For example, when you speed on the highway, you're indicating that you believe that you know better than the state what is the safest maximum speed you can operate a motor vehicle on that particular road.  When you cross the street without waiting for the light, you're indicating that you can judge when a safe time to cross is better than whoever installed and timed the lights.
  When we break God's rules, we're making a statement that we know how we should behave better than God does.  We're grasping for authority that isn't rightfully ours, and human history shows us that human judgment doesn't always lead to good places.  God calls us to be merciful, selfless and kind, and often our natures lead us to be selfish.  The Law is in place to lead us to abundant living, not to restrict us.
  So let us think seriously about how we respond to God's call to love others and God more than we love ourselves.  When we choose to live by placing ourselves first, we're making a statement that we believe we know best how to be happy.  Is it working?  Or might God's way lead to a richer life?