So many things lurking out there, waiting to seize my mind and hold me captive.

Wrong thoughts. Earthly desires. Carnal ambitions. Evil surmisings. This-world treasures.

False reports about me. Unkind commentaries to me. Open resentments toward me. Unjust treatment of me.

Improper relationships. Ungodly connections. Fleshly friendships. Worldly romances.

Covetousness. Gossip. Jealousy. Anger. Bitterness. Resentment. Railing. Depression. Pride. Rebellion. Unkindness. Selfishness. Discouragement.

“The LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity” (Zephaniah 2:7).

Oh yes!!

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!