Pilgrim’s Progress

“I didn’t sign up for this,” thought Pliable as he found himself trapped in the Slough of Despond. Honestly, I don’t blame him. How often do we preach the good news without preparing people for the challenges that come with the Christian walk? Today, let’s look at the lessons from Pliable in Pilgrim’s Progress. Pliable’s story in The Pilgrim’s Progress is both relatable and convicting. His enthusiasm for the journey quickly dissolves when the path gets tough, reflecting a pattern many of us have seen – or even experience – on the road of faith. His tale invites us to examine not just his character, but our own approach to Christianity and how we walk alongside others on their journeys. Who is Pliable? There are many Pliables in the church today, and if we’re honest, we’ve probably been one at some point. Let’s not be too quick to judge. When we “market” Christianity, we often highlight the blessings—healing, provision, peace, and eternal life. These are all real and wonderful promises, but we rarely talk about the trials and sacrifices involved. This leaves people like Pliable unprepared for the reality of the journey. Even worse, some churches fail to provide discipleship or baptism classes to equip new believers. Without this foundation, they are left vulnerable when difficulties arise. Pliable represents those who are attracted to the benefits of faith but lack the commitment to endure its trials. He eagerly joined Christian in leaving the City of Destruction, but as soon as things got hard, he abandoned the journey and returned to his old life. Lessons from Pliable’s Story 1. Faith Needs a Firm Foundation Pliable’s excitement was shallow because it wasn’t rooted in true understanding or conviction. He was drawn to the rewards of the journey but had no preparation for the challenges. Practical Application: 2. Trials Are Part of the Journey The Slough of Despond is a reminder that struggles are inevitable. Faith doesn’t promise an easy life; it promises a meaningful one. Pliable’s inability to endure hardship shows the importance of perseverance. Practical Application: 3. Commitment Requires Endurance Pliable wanted the rewards but didn’t want to pay the cost. This mirrors a common struggle today, where people are drawn to Christianity for blessings but fall away when faced with sacrifice. Practical Application: How to Help the Pliables Around You 1. Be Honest About the Christian Walk If we sugarcoat the gospel, we do more harm than good. People need to know that following Christ involves challenges, but it’s worth it. Practical Application: 2. Walk with Them Through the Slough Pliable lacked someone to encourage him when he got stuck. A strong support system can make all the difference for someone struggling in their faith. Practical Application: 3. Let Go When Necessary Not everyone will stay the course. Christian couldn’t force Pliable to continue the journey, and sometimes we have to release people to make their own choices. Practical Application: When We Are Like Pliable Pliable’s story isn’t just about other people; it’s also about us. Have you ever started something with great enthusiasm only to quit when it got tough? Maybe it was a ministry, a spiritual discipline, or even your entire walk with God. The good news is that God’s grace is always available. If you’ve been like Pliable, it’s not too late to recommit to the journey. Ask for His strength, surround yourself with supportive believers, and press on toward the Celestial City. Encouragement for the Journey The road to eternal life is not easy, but it is worth it. Pliable’s story challenges us to examine our faith and our commitment. Are we rooted in conviction, or are we swayed by convenience? Are we willing to endure the Slough of Despond, or will we turn back at the first sign of trouble? Remember this: God never promised an easy road, but He did promise His presence. He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). Stay the course, encourage others along the way, and keep your eyes fixed on the ultimate prize. Let Pliable’s story serve as both a warning and an invitation—a warning of the dangers of shallow faith, and an invitation to deepen your commitment to the One who makes the journey worthwhile. Now check out Lessons from Obstinate or lead this other post instead: Lessons from Lesser Known bible characters.

Encounters with various characters mark Christian’s journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, each representing obstacles, temptations, or encouragements. As we continue to look at the lessons we learn from Pilgrim’s Progress: Journey to Heaven, today we want to focus on lessons from Obstinate. Obstinate is a stubborn, mocking man who ridicules Christian for leaving the City of Destruction and attempts to dissuade him from continuing his journey. While Obstinate’s role is brief, his character’s lessons are timeless and deeply relevant to our Christian walks. Let’s explore the significance of Obstinate, the lessons we can learn from him, and how to respond to such opposition in our spiritual lives. Understanding Obstinate’s Role Obstinate represents those entrenched in worldly ways, resistant to change and dismissive of spiritual truths. His name, Obstinate means stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or course of action, even in the face of reason or truth. When Christian embarks on his journey, Obstinate mocks him for abandoning the City of Destruction and calls him foolish for seeking the Celestial City. Obstinate’s goal is clear: to pull Christian back into the comfort and conformity of their sinful city. But when his efforts fail, he quickly abandons Christian and returns to his old ways, unwilling to see beyond his limited perspective. This encounter reflects the challenges we Christians often face when we decide to pursue a deeper relationship with God. Whether through mockery, doubt, or outright resistance, there will always be “Obstinates” who try to discourage us from staying on the narrow path. Lessons from Obstinate How to Deal with “Obstinates” in Your Life Encouragement for the Journey Encountering “Obstinates” is a natural part of following Christ. Whether it’s friends, family, or even society at large, there will always be voices trying to pull you away from your faith. But like Christian, you have a choice: to press on toward the Celestial City or to give in to the comfort and conformity of the City of Destruction. Remember, the road to eternal life is narrow, and not everyone will choose to walk it. But as you face opposition, take heart in knowing that you are not alone. God is with you every step of the way, providing strength, guidance, and encouragement. The story of Obstinate reminds us that while opposition is inevitable, it doesn’t have to define us. Stay steadfast, respond with grace, and trust that God will use every challenge for your growth and His glory. Closing Thought Who are the “Obstinates” in your life? Perhaps it’s a friend who dismisses your faith, a coworker who ridicules your values, or even your doubts and fears. Whatever form they take, remember that your journey is worth it. Stay focused, keep trusting God, and let your faith shine as a testament to His love and truth.

Our series on addiction recovery may be concluding, but a new journey begins. The Hero’s Journey isn’t just for caped superheroes—it’s a call for each of us. Life offers challenges, growth, and purpose, and the timeless Pilgrim’s Progress captures this beautifully. In our upcoming series, we’ll delve into how this classic tale guides our spiritual paths, showing how every step, obstacle, and ally plays a part in a faith-filled journey. Ready to take the first step? 1. The Ordinary World Our journey begins in the “ordinary world.” We are born and raised in an environment where daily routines and societal norms shape our lives. It’s natural to want to fit in. However, as Christians, we’re called to be different and set apart. Romans 12:2 (NIV) reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This call to live differently is our first glimpse of the journey ahead. In Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian, the protagonist, lives in the City of Destruction. Like us, he starts in a world of normalcy and familiarity, yet he feels a growing discontent. This inner stirring is a powerful reminder that we are made for more. 2. The Call to Adventure For Christians, the call to adventure begins with salvation. This call challenges us to step beyond our comfort zones and enter a new world—the spiritual realm. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) beautifully captures this, stating, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” Accepting salvation means we’ve answered God’s call to embark on a purposeful adventure. Just as Christian from Pilgrim’s Progress feels the burden of his sins, we, too, sense a divine pull toward a higher purpose. Salvation marks the beginning of a transformative journey. 3. Refusal of the Call It’s common to resist the call to adventure. We doubt our worth, fear failure, or simply prefer the familiar. I can relate—I’ve run from God’s call before. Even after accepting salvation, I avoided deeper commitments, hid from my pastor’s invitations, and battled the fear of inadequacy. What is it that God is telling you to do or who is God saying you will become but you do not believe Him? One of the most coming things I have heard from my friends and acquaintances is “I will not be a pastor”. Nobody wants to answer that call. The feeling that “I’m not ready” can be overwhelming. In Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian’s friends and family warn him against leaving, sowing seeds of doubt. From the day he discovers his burden, it takes him a while to get started on his journey. We, too, face internal and external pressures that challenge our faith. Yet, growth begins when we push past the resistance and take that first step. 4. Meeting the Mentor On our journey, God places mentors and guides to help us. For Christians, the Holy Spirit serves as our ultimate mentor, guiding and teaching us. We might also encounter earthly mentors: pastors, friends, or wise family members who offer counsel and encouragement. These people will guide us and offer wisdom along the way. They might not be with us for the whole journey for they will leave when we are ready for the journey ahead. Tao Te Ching — ‘When the student is ready the teacher will appear. When the student is truly ready… The teacher will Disappear.’ In Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian meets Evangelist, a mentor who points him toward the Wicket Gate – the gateway to his journey. Like Evangelist, our mentors show us a path forward, helping us stay on course when doubts arise. 5. Crossing the Threshold Crossing the threshold requires courage. It’s the point of commitment where we step fully into the unknown. For me, this means writing these posts, even with lingering doubts and fears. While I’m still learning to surrender fully to God, I’m reminded that every small step counts. God is calling us deeper, to the oceans where feet may fail. To continue our journey, we must learn to surrender and walk by faith. There are things and dimensions in God we can not experience until we cross a certain threshold. It will not be easy, the devil will fight you. There will be situations and people that want you to remain where you are. For me,z distraction has been my biggest enemy. Christian crosses the threshold when he leaves the City of Destruction, fully committing to his journey toward the Celestial City. As he runs from the City of Destruction, he shields his ears from the cries and calls of his family and friends. If we are to cross this threshold, we have to shut our ears to the opinions of others. This leap of faith mirrors our own as we embrace our Christian walk with purpose and resolve. 6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies On the hero’s path, trials and adversaries are inevitable. We’d all love a smooth journey, but the reality includes both allies and enemies. Our first enemy is Satan, who constantly seeks to derail us. 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) warns us to “be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” In Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian faces obstacles and enemies like Apollyon, who tries to discourage him. He also meets allies like Faithful and Hopeful, who offer companionship. In our own lives, we encounter spiritual tests, toxic relationships, and moments of self-doubt. The presence of these challenges—and the allies who help us overcome them—builds resilience and strengthens our faith.