The Delete Key

Admittedly I use the "delete" key when writing more than I would like to admit. I will usually walk away from the newly generated text for a period of time, only to return and decide I do not like the way it reads...delete. All the previous hard work and conceived thoughtful passages gone with just a stroke of a key.
I began to wonder what our lives would be like if we would simply "delete" the mistakes we have made. What if the recovering addict could wipe out all evidence of their life prior to recovery. Suppose all evidence of extra-marital affairs, gambling debts, drug abuse or alcohol abuse would simply cease to exist with the tap of a life size "Delete" key. The addict could then truly start with a clean slate.
The problem of course would occur when, without the evidence of past mistakes, we would be bound to repeat these same mistake, to relapse. Your prior life of addiction is part of the make up of who your are now. We certainly long to forget the behavior, to forget the pain we caused ourselves and others. We wish that we had never made the decisions that lead to a life of addiction. But all of this, the pain, the regret and even the losses make you who you are today...a recovering addict.
Your recovery was only possible through Christ. You may know Him, or if not you have heard his name, Jesus. The Apostle Paul wrote;
"Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. Your were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;to be made new in the attitudes of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Eph. 4:21-24
We cannot "delete" our former way of life, nor should we forget. But we can know that we now have a "new self", one created to be like God, created by the Creator.
If you still struggle with addictions, it is time to stop. I checked the calendar and the clock, they both say "Now is the time!"
Accept Christ's invitation. Begin a walk today that will be free of drugs, alcohol, pornography or gambling. His death and resurrection is the only "delete" key you will ever need.