The Kingdom of Sin: A Parable
Dear Self,
I hate to break it to you, but you didn't "fall into" sin. Yes, the devil is like a prowling lion waiting to devour, but he's not Wile E. Coyote. He doesn't carry black sin-holes with him and drop them in front of your path, where you have no choice but to fall in.
No, the kingdom of sin is like this: Person walks through a swamp and happens upon a treasure. Person realizes that the treasure is a delight to the eyes and is greatly desirable. Quickly, Person hides the treasure so that no one else may know of it. Indeed, it would be a great disaster if anyone found out. Person obscures it so deep in the bowels of the earth such that none - save God Himself and maybe not even then - may find it.
In joy, Person gathers up jewelery and fine clothing, royal gifts from the king, relationships, dignity, and anything else of value. Person liquidates everything s/he is and everything s/he owns, and after doing so, goes to see the owner of the field. The owner balks, but after much negotiating, Person obtains a deed: "I hereby convey Blackacre and everything on or in it to Person in fee simple absolute."
Person is now the fine owner of a swamp.
And the treasure? A handful of Silly Bandz.
Self, own up to your mistakes and repent. Treasure Christ above all else. And stay away from swamps.
Sincerely,
Your better (but sometimes woefully silent) judgment
I hate to break it to you, but you didn't "fall into" sin. Yes, the devil is like a prowling lion waiting to devour, but he's not Wile E. Coyote. He doesn't carry black sin-holes with him and drop them in front of your path, where you have no choice but to fall in.
No, the kingdom of sin is like this: Person walks through a swamp and happens upon a treasure. Person realizes that the treasure is a delight to the eyes and is greatly desirable. Quickly, Person hides the treasure so that no one else may know of it. Indeed, it would be a great disaster if anyone found out. Person obscures it so deep in the bowels of the earth such that none - save God Himself and maybe not even then - may find it.
In joy, Person gathers up jewelery and fine clothing, royal gifts from the king, relationships, dignity, and anything else of value. Person liquidates everything s/he is and everything s/he owns, and after doing so, goes to see the owner of the field. The owner balks, but after much negotiating, Person obtains a deed: "I hereby convey Blackacre and everything on or in it to Person in fee simple absolute."
Person is now the fine owner of a swamp.
And the treasure? A handful of Silly Bandz.
Self, own up to your mistakes and repent. Treasure Christ above all else. And stay away from swamps.
Sincerely,
Your better (but sometimes woefully silent) judgment
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