Some folks do certain things because they think God doesn’t care.

For example, I may drive 25 mph in a school zone (20 mph in Oregon) because I “know” I can get away with it legally. But what about God? Well, I’m sure He won’t reward me for purposefully breaking the law a little bit, and I’m sure He won’t punish me for something so small. In other words, God can’t be bothered either way; He just doesn’t care.

Other examples could include the music I listen to, the books I read, the way I flirt with women, the thoughts I entertain about others, or the way I behave when I’m upset.

(Now don’t go imagining evil of me, supposing I’ve given real examples from my own life!)

So. Does God care enough to frown on or disapprove of such things?

Or do I truly believe that, though He surely won’t reward it, He won’t punish such behavior?

Like I said earlier, some folks really believe that.

“And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will…punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil” (Zephaniah 1:12).

God does care!

If Jesus were to speak to me face-to-face about my faith in Him and my sensitivity to Him, would I hear approval or rebuke?

“Afterward he appeared unto the eleven…and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart” (Mark 16:14).

I need more faith. I need more sensitivity to Him. I want my life to show both.

It also strikes me this morning that Jesus got after the eleven (on this occasion, anyway), not for doubting that He would rise again, but for not believing the witness of others. Notice the conclusion of the above verse:

“Because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.”

I must have His approval.

published this at 7:25 am on . Thanks for reading it!

Bible book: Mark