A CLEAN SLATE
“…for a man is a slave to whatever
 has mastered him.”  2 Peter 2:19

Chalkboards are being replaced by the proverbial white board in classrooms everywhere. Unfortunately, they still have to be cleaned at the end of the day. Those of us who had to stay after school to clean them have probably been exposed to a lethal amount of chalk dust. In today’s litigious society it would probably require a permit from the EPA to clean the boards and dispose of the toxic waste. However, our teachers wanted to start everyday with “a clean slate”. It’s not a bad idea for our lives either. Every once and awhile, or every night as needed, we should ask God to clean us up so we can start over the next day with “a clean slate” ready to be used again.
 
Stop...the freight train that you’re on.
“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.” 2 Samuel 11:1
 
King David boarded a morally bankrupt “freight train” when he “remained in Jerusalem” instead of going “off to war” in the spring, which was his duty as king. We often sing the words, “create in me a clean heart” from Psalm 51:10, his song of repentance.  When we get “off track” life isn’t much fun either, until we stop the train that we are riding on so we can get a better perspective of where we are at. We always have the option to jump, but the landing is so much easier if we just put on the brakes. Think about it; if your life is headed in the wrong direction why not stop? Why keep putting the “pedal to the medal” when red flags are popping up everywhere?
 
Look…at the damage already done.
“Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.” 2 Samuel 12:9
 
Sometimes we need someone bold enough to confront us before we ever “look” at the damage our sin causes to those around us. God sent the prophet Nathan to get David’s attention. Not only had David committed adultery with Bathsheba, he also arranged for her husband Uriah to be killed in battle.  When we take the time (or are forced by a friend) to stop and put our feet on solid ground or more importantly on “holy ground”, we are able to survey the damage our “freight train” has caused. When we are barreling down the tracks at full-speed it’s hard to see or feel anything if it gets in our way. Our actions, as innocent as we might think they are, can cause serious damage; damage that can escalate and become irreparable if we choose to ignore it. God not only wants us to minister to the hurting, He expects us to not be a source of the hurt.
 
Accept…your own responsibility.
“Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." 2 Samuel 12:13a.
 
When faced with the reality of what he had done, David chose to “own up”, by taking responsibility for his sin. It didn’t release him from the pain or the consequences, but it did restore his relationship with God. Two lives engaged in the marital art of combat (not martial) hardly leaves room for innocence on either side. Sound familiar? It’s a hard thing to “accept” no less “admit” that we have some responsibility for our problems. We tend to blame someone else for our circumstances especially our spouse. They tend to be the one present when we let our guard down, so they bear the brunt of our anger. Our spouses also have to love us, right? Well, that’s a topic for another time, but by accepting our part in creating the chaos in our life we are taking a big step in the right direction; a step towards a closer relationship with God and our spouse.  
 
Tender…a solution for resolution.
“Nathan replied, "The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But by doing this you have made the enemies of the Lord show utter contempt, the son born to you will die." 2 Samuel 12:13b-14
 
Nathan assured David that his confession was accepted by God, but that there would be a penalty he would have to endure as a consequence of his sin. In this case the resolution was mandated by God; the life of his child born out of the affair with Uriah’s wife Bathsheba. In our own lives we often reach for solutions that will ease our pain, before or even after we have taken responsibility for our part. We may consider getting a divorce or having an affair. Drugs, alcohol or even pouring ourselves into a career are equally poor choices if you truly want resolution. Couples who jump ship from one marriage to another tend to take their “problems” with them. We need to find a “solution for resolution” where we are. The Apostle Paul in Romans 12:8 puts it this way, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  The only caveat that would preclude this would be if a spouse or their children are in immediate danger. The key is to find a resolution that protects the children, the spouses and the marriage, even if that might involve a temporary separation.   
 
Employ...alternative transportation.
“So David mustered the entire army and went to Rabbah, and attacked and captured it.” 2 Samuel 12:29
 
Alternative transportation for King David was to get back on track being the king that God wanted him to be. He “mustered the entire army”, did his thing and was successful. It’s no different for us; except for the “king” thing. Remember the freight train? Once we stop the train, take care of business and find appropriate solutions, we have to evaluate the train we were on. Sometimes it’s difficult if not impossible to get back on the train because it’s headed in the wrong direction. What we can do is find alternative transportation; a career, a lifestyle or perhaps even a new start in a new community where previous temptations are not present. Is it easy? No. Is it impossible? No, but it can be done. We need “alternative transportation” if it’s necessary to get us where God wants us to be.
 
When we have “a clean slate” we are able to literally change our life and change can be a good thing. As you contemplate the chalkboard of your life this week, check your pulse to see what needs to be wiped clean, but be careful to not drown yourself in pain and regret. Instead “use” what you learn about yourself. You see, “a clean slate” is for writing; we use the lessons of the past and allow God to guide our hand as we write the future together.