I know some people feel that they need God, but what about people like me who don't feel any deep need for forgiveness, or for God to tell me what to do, or things like that? I get along just fine without God, and so do most of my friends. — Z.S.

When I read your letter I couldn't help but think of a friend of mine who was very active and thought he was in great health. But later -- when it was too late -- he discovered that for years a deadly cancer had been growing undetected in his body.

And this is what concerns me about you and your friends, because even if you don't believe it right now, some day you'll discover that you too have a deadly disease within you -- a spiritual disease called sin. Sometimes its effects are very obvious, but sometimes its impact is hidden, and we deceive ourselves into thinking we don't need to worry about it. But we do.

Why do you need God? One reason is because apart from Him you are on the wrong road in life -- although for a time it may seem to you like the right one. The Bible even says that sin may have its pleasures "for a short time" (Hebrews 11:25). But where will you turn when sickness or heartache or old age come? What hope will you have when you face death -- as we all do? The Bible warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 16:25).

But listen: God made you, and He loves you -- and life's greatest joy comes from knowing Him. Don't be deceived, but turn to Jesus Christ and discover the joy of His forgiveness and new life.