Persuasions of Discontent

Journey to the Celestial City #46. In our continuing look at John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress,” today we find the man, Christian, taking in Faithful’s pilgrimage story yet still. Having recently been rescued from the Law by the One with “holes in His hands and His sides,” Faithful next encounters another called: Discontent. This one is not without his own strong persuasions which attend Faithful in the following manner (in Humility’s Valley): Discontent tells Faithful there is no honor in a place like this. And to travel such a path is to turn his back on friends including: “Pride, Arrogance, Self-Conceit, Worldly Glory.” How could Faithful allow himself to be made a fool in their eyes? Faithful counters that though these may have once been his associations, they are now as foreigners. As to the Valley of Humiliation’s dishonor, Faithful puts off Discontent with the truth: “[B]efore honor is humility; and a haughty spirit before a fall.” And discontentment’s voice is a powerful force. If heeded it would have us turn from the very path of Christ for our lives. Many times God’s will leads away from what the world upholds as the benchmark of success and achievement. But we’re not living this life for ourselves. Or are we? “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter; choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.” (Hebrews 11:24-25) “Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I can do all things through Him (Christ) who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11, 13) More to come in the next blog post. Check back soon. (To read this entire blog post series, scroll down to “Pilgrim’s Progress Series” in the left sidebar.) pp 63-64