I'm a good person!?

The top question that i have people ask when they are going through something very difficult in their lives is "why is this happening to me?  I'm a good person".  The best way i can describe how things happen in the spiritual realm is that if we committed a serious crime and had to go before a judge because of it, even if we were truly sorry for the wrong that we committed, the judge would still have to pass judgement because the crime was committed. 
The same happens with our daily life, we all have committed many sins and made many mistakes in our past, but the unfortunate reality is that we have to serve the time for the sins that were previously committed. 
Our defense mechanism is activated when something goes terribly wrong in our lives and the first thing that you usually say is "I'm a good person" and that is followed by you questioning why is the terrible thing happening to you.  The reason is because you might think you are a good person but what exactly makes a good person?  Are you without sin?  Is there any difference from the sin you committed of lying in comparison to a much more severe sin like stealing?  Before God there is no separation of sin.  Sin is sin and just like in a court of law if you committed a crime you will have to serve your time for that crime. 
The reason why i wanted to discuss this today is so you can meditate that perhaps the reason why you might be troubled today has to do with a sin you committed in the past.  You are probably asking "isn't God a forgiving God?"  The answer is YES but God wants to make sure that the wrong you committed yesterday won't repeat itself today and therefore He allows you to reap the consequences of your actions.

In the same token if you sow faithfulness today and integrity you will reap the rewards of it in your future.  I pray that you press on to lead your life daily with integrity so that the blessings of God will overflow in your life. The first step to a relationship with Christ is repentance and true sincerity with one self.
Be blessed!