If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.—1 John 1:9 (NIV)

My laptop was dying, and it was time for a replacement. When the new one arrived, I was excited to transfer my files and take advantage of the chance to clean out old data. Skimming through folders, I was horrified at my terrible “cyber hygiene.” Duplicate documents. Folders that were tucked inside of other folders. Files with vague labels. No wonder I’d struggled to find things. 

I’ve committed to deleting items that take up valuable space on my new computer’s hard drive. Without a diligent eye each day, emails pile up, folders get filled, and my former friend, chaos, creeps in. 

Like a computer that’s cluttered with old or useless data, my life can become cluttered with sins. Perhaps I’m rehearsing grievances and need to instead take my concerns to Jesus. Or maybe that television show I watch that is fascinating but leaves me feeling dark and sad isn’t contributing to the life to which Jesus calls me. Or perhaps my desire to control everything comes at the expense of offering hospitality and flexibility. One by one, those obsolete folders in my heart and mind can be removed. Not by my own strength, but by the grace of our Savior. 

As He points out problems, He is also faithful to forgive and set me on a new course. Jesus can purify my inner “hard drive” and delete that which keeps me from running smoothly.  

Faith Step: Take a look at what you’ve saved on your computer or smart device. Delete anything that isn’t necessary as you pray for Jesus to do the same in your heart.