Lots of people have attempted to understand human behavior. Countless hours have been spent studying, observing, cataloging, researching, and writing about human behavior and how to understand one another.
People often come down on opposite sides of behavior-related issues. One behavior-related issue is in regards to sexuality and whether we are born a particular way or are nurtured to become a certain way. Of course many proponents of gay or lesbian lifestyles would argue that people are born with those tendencies or orientations and therefore it is no easier to overcome than whether or not you have a big nose. Personally, I do not agree with that stance. I feel that we are all born with a relatively blank slate or in Latin terms tabula rasa. I feel that environment has everything to do with how we turn out.
Yes, we are all born with an inherent tendency to sin and be selfish, but it is through our upbringing that we are programmed to be who we are today. The Bible supports this position when we read that to spare the rod will spoil the child (Prov. 13:24). Having three children of my own has taught me that when I get lax in an area it shows up in my children, but when I am consistent in an area that positive result comes to light as well.
Regarding this blank slate theory, we all come to God with a slate already full; full of all the guilt and shame of living a sinful life separated from God. By the time we come to God many things have transpired, many sins have been committed, and we have need of a clean or blank slate. We need forgiveness, we need the blood of Christ to wash away our sins, and we need a fresh start.
The Lord has promised us in the Bible that when we receive forgiveness for our sins that they are no longer remembered by the Lord (Heb 8:12). It's not that God wipes His own memory clear it's that He chooses not to remember sins in that they are no longer held against us because Jesus' sacrifice covers us.
I can't speak for all of you, but I certainly need my slate to be cleaned every day. I need Jesus to take away my sins and give me a fresh start each morning because His mercies never fail (Lam 3:23). How about you today friend? Is your slate blank or is it filled with the record of your sins that you have yet to give over to the loving Savior who died to set you free? Why not let now be the time you decide to follow Christ completely? Why not let Him erase the sins of your life and give you a blank slate fresh with forgiveness?
Dear Father God,
Today, we praise You for being willing to forget our sins as we accept Jesus. Thank You that we have a refuge where all the sinful events of our past and future can be taken away as we come to Christ. Please teach us to daily come to You for a fresh commitment. Please teach us to surrender our entire life to Christ so that no cherished sin comes between us and You. We praise and thank You in Jesus' name, Amen.
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