Character Calling: TransformedSample

A MAP AND A COMPASS

If you want to explore the wilderness and visit parts of the world that are “off-the-grid,” you need to bring some necessary and basic tools with you. And these necessary tools haven’t changed for centuries. You’ll need the basics like food and water, but you’ll also need two specific items so you won’t get lost - a map and a compass. These two tools are crucial for navigating and ending up at the proper destination.

Following Jesus and imitating Him on our journey requires the same types of tools. We need a map - something written so we can know the right information and context for what we’re seeing and experiencing. And we need a compass - something or someone who can act as a guide.

Our map is the Bible, the written Word of God. So what (or better, who) is our compass, other than the Spirit of God?

When Jesus was leaving Earth, He promised to send us the Holy Spirit. He’s our Comfort, our Help, and our Strength. He dwells in us and guides us into the Truth of Christ - He’s our Spiritual Compass!

And just as a map and a compass work in tandem, so do the Bible and the Holy Spirit. When we face temptation, the Holy Spirit can provide the Power we need to resist it. When we read the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit shows us their meaning and how we can apply them to our lives.

When the Scripture and the Spirit are at work together, we’re headed directly toward our destination - following Jesus and becoming more like Him. We can tell we’re on the right path and headed towards “true north” when the fruit of our life is love, both loving God and loving others.

Consider: How do I reference the map and compass on my journey with Jesus? What would happen if I trusted God’s Word and His Holy Spirit more in my life?