[176 words]
How small is a small sin? Before you answer we need to ask another question: Who holds the measuring stick ? We tend to think my sin is small and God will take no notice, but your sin is another matter. According to an old story the devil one day gave a man the choice of three sins: murder, adultery, or drunkenness. Thinking that drunkenness was the lesser sin and would effect no one but himself, he chose to drink. However, while he was drunk he committed adultery and murder. Sin, you see, is deceptive. It looks so innocent. The man thought at least his drinking would hurt no one but himself and what he did in private was no one’s business anyway. It didn’t turn out that way. Sin, you see, grows. One sin leads to another. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to fights. And fights leads to murder. Sin grows, and that is why there is no “small sin.” “I write these things to you that you might not sin” (1 John 2:1).
Alton Norman
Owingsville Church of Christ
Owingsville, KY