A Clean Slate

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  – James 5:16

            Years ago during the Roman Period, and before the introduction of the paper technique from China, it was common to use beaten reeds placed into tablet form and beeswax as a transportable mode of keeping records. With the help of a metal or bone-like pen, often the tablet was used to write lessons, make lists, and preserve other important material. If this information was no longer needed the writer could simply warm the beeswax and erase all previous markings, leaving a “clean slate.” Of course, as time went on, the invention of the chalkboard and chalk made note-taking a little more convenient through the simple brushing away of the chalk to clean the slate. Although, we have progressed much further in our writing techniques to preserve information in the written world, there is still a need to erase mistakes and start over.

As believers in Christ, this new beginning was given to us through the sacrificial giving of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection on the cross.  Once you have prayed and asked the Lord to forgive you of your sins, He cleanses your heart and gives you a fresh start. This does not make you sinless or perfect, but it does secure a home in Heaven for you. The struggles to keep a right heart with God and man do not end, but they are made easier when we seek God through prayer, Bible reading, and obedience to what we already know in His word.

Today’s One-Step Challenge: Today take a step closer to God on purpose by cleaning your heart of unforgiveness towards Him and others through the confessing of your sins and praying for those who have hurt you. Perhaps, even giving a gift to your enemy.