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.

Even one wrong trait of character, one sinful desire, persistently
cherished, will eventually neutralize all the power of the gospel. Every
sinful indulgence strengthens the soul’s aversion to God. – Steps to
Christ, pg. 34
Full of anticipation, I entered the girls’ dorm and joined the
crowd of energetic students in high festive spirits. The occasion was
Open House (our school’s version of Christmas): a day we had all
eagerly awaited. This year the girls’ dorm lobby had been decorated
spectacularly.
I stood for a moment in the doorway beholding the magnificent
scene. Tree boughs embellished with red bows and snowflake
ornaments, lit up by a string of lights, were wrapped around the
upstairs banister. The coffee table was adorned with candles and
pinecones nestled in a blanket of fragrant branches. But the most
magnificent of all was the tree! Its delicious pine aroma filled the room,
adding to the holiday atmosphere. A strand of lights wrapped around
the lofty pine, giving it a soft glow. Pinecones and holly berry twigs
were fastened to its branches, and shiny red-painted lanterns dangled
from its ends. Last but not least, at the tree’s top rested… a mop?!
“What on earth?” I exclaimed in horror. My moment of awe
had been completely robbed of its glory. What a nasty sight! The whole
tree was ruined. I tried to overlook the unsightly cleaning tool (which
had been set in place to hold up the unfortunate golden angel), but
its presence would not go unnoticed. In exasperation, I tried to forget
about the hideous mop.
A few days later, I sat in the lobby, gazing at the glowing
Christmas tree. I was amazed that one small thing could mar the
whole display. That mop, suspended in the tree, was the only defect—
everything else was perfect. I sometimes think that I can get away with
the little things—that one small sin won’t make much of a difference.
But, like that mop, all it takes is one wrong habit, however small, to
taint my whole character.