Charted

What is Charted?

Like a master surveyor, Jesus gives us clear directions to find a fulfilling, purpose-filled relationship with Himself - a map to the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Charted is a daily devotional written by the junior class at Fountainview Academy (Class of 2019). Based on the book Steps to Christ, this book explores the path to the Originator and Provider of Genuine Joy. We don't have to be confused about the way. The certainty is in the journey: divinely Charted.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in
fact you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
I was steaming mad. A friend of mine, who I thought had my
back, had publicly embarrassed me in front of all my peers. When I
got home, I quickly pounded out a harsh text message. Point by point I
refuted all the things she alleged about me.
Bad idea! Really bad idea!
As soon as I hit “send,” conviction worked its way into my
heart. I spent the rest of the day mulling over my decision. My feelings
spun out of control, invading my train of thought and forcing me to lose
focus on all the things I needed to be doing. The Holy Spirit produced
sorrow in my heart, and I deeply regretted my earlier choice.
The next day, I sheepishly ducked my head into the classroom
of the girl I had verbally ripped apart the day before. Moving towards
her, I pleaded for her forgiveness for my divisive words. As we
talked about the incident, I realized that I had totally misjudged
her intentions and overreacted. We both apologized for the mutual
misunderstanding, and our friendship was repaired.
Later that day I made a solemn vow: I would never ever
express my dissatisfaction with someone in a text. Why? Because
texts are easy to misread and my words don’t mean as much when
hidden behind the wall of my phone screen. And, since I’m not there in
person, it is easier to let my words fly like verbal knockout punches—
without restraint.
The Bible advises: “The one who has knowledge uses words
with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered”
(Proverbs 17:27 NIV). It is too easy to fire away a text, to add an angry
comment, to let it all out on a blog post, Facebook status, or on twitter.
Words matter. I want to make sure I restrain my discouraging words
and instead build others up.