Sin is "a bad habit" that "just comes naturally," say Leslie and Emily, both age 12.

Sin is more than a bad habit, and it didn't always come naturally. It's a choice that began in the Garden of Eden.

"Adam and Eve messed up" so that "we are born with sin in our hearts," say Julianne, 11, and Dominique, 6.

In fact, "Adam and Eve started the sinning generation," according to Drew, 10. Now, things in the world are so messed up, says Jeffrey, 11: "Sometimes, we think it's cool."

Yes, Adam and Eve started the "sinning generation" but quickly found themselves outside of a perfect place created by God to fulfill all their needs.

Our independence from God means our hearts "get cold and selfish," says Sarah. "My heart feels like I'm a disgrace to God and unworthy of the glory of God," adds Jamie, 12. This is probably why Adam and Eve hid themselves from God immediately after they ate the forbidden fruit.

Instead of wanting God and depending upon him for life, we now seek our own way and glory. The Apostle James tells us our will is so distorted that some even blame God for their sin.

"Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death" (James 1:13-15).

Jorge, 8, agrees with a famous comedian's explanation when he says, "The devil makes us do it." The devil can tempt us as he did with Adam and Eve, but the Apostle James says our temptation comes from being carried away by our own desires.

Satan promised Eve that she would be like God. "The devil always wanted to be equal to God," says Masch, 10, "so finally he left heaven and created his own place."

Instead of listening to and trusting God for wisdom, Eve did what seemed right to her. She gave a hearing to Satan, followed his advice and then convinced Adam to join her.

"We sin because we don't listen," says Michael, 6. Specifically, "We sin because we don't listen to our mom," says Raha, 7. What about Dad, Raha?

We get so used to sinning that we forget how bad it is. Sinning against a holy God who desires the best for us is outright rebellion!

Our rebellion and all the pain associated with it were absorbed by the heart of God in the cross of Christ. All of humanity and God collided at the cross. The door shut by our rebellion was opened by Jesus' obedience. Once again, the way to oneness with God is clear. Like Adam and Eve in the garden, we can choose spiritual life or death.

The original sin in the Garden of Eden has made everyone "impure," says Elizabeth, 12, "making God send his only son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us. God truly loves us!"

Think about this: Sin is rebellion against a holy God. Memorize this truth: "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (II Corinthians 5:21). Answer this question: Have you made peace with God by believing in Jesus Christ as your savior? As a Christian, do you know the joy of being filled with God's Spirit?

Listen to a talking book, download the "Kids Color Me Bible" for free, watch Kid TV Interviews and travel around the world by viewing the "Mission Explorers Streaming Video" at www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org. Bible quotations are from the New King James Version. To find out more about Carey Kinsolving and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CAREY KINSOLVING

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