What+is+Sin?

by Robert Early

//A child walks up to his mother and tugs at her pant leg.// Mama, I have a tough question so please let me in. I must know the meaning of the word that is sin.

//The mother scratches her head, picks up the child, and smiles at him.// That’s easy my child. I’m glad that you asked. I’ll answer that one, and I’ll answer it fast. A sin is a lie. A sin is a tease. It’s pushing kids down and scraping their knees. It’s wanting too much, and then wanting some more. It’s hoarding your cash behind a locked door. Sin has a strange way of sneaking up on you fast And taking hold of your soul with a mighty strong grasp. But if you listen to me, and listen ever so close, You can avoid doing the things that God hates the most. Do not steal. Do not curse. And don’t once laugh at others. And please, for the last time, stop fighting with your brothers. Whether neglecting your chores or hurting a friend, A sin is a sin. It’s all the same in the end. When you win an award, you must always be humble. And when I tell you to do something, you mustn’t ever grumble. If you stub your toe on a chair, you may never, ever swear. When you play games with your peers, you must always play fair. When you’re waiting in line, on no occasion may you jip. When you overhear a secret, do not turn around and gossip. I’m telling you this because I love you so much. I don’t want you to grow up into a sinner and such.

//The mother sits back in the chair and lets out a sigh.// Oh! But I almost forgot to mention the worst sin of all, Which is forgetting that Jesus Christ came to save us from the Fall.

//The child gazes up at his mother and cries.// I’m listening, Mama. I hear you so clear. But that means I sin every day, month, and year.