16. Questionable Advice

WORLDLY-WISEMAN: Hello there, my good fellow, and where are you traveling with such a burdened manner?

CHRISTIAN: Yes, it certainly is a burdened manner, and as good a one as any poor creature ever had. As to where I am going, sir, let me tell you. I am on my way toward that distant Wicket-gate that is just ahead; for there, I have been told, I will gain entrance into the way that will lead to the removal of my heavy burden.

WORLDLY-WISEMAN: Do you have a wife and children?

CHRISTIAN: Yes, but I am so weighed down with this burden that I cannot enjoy them as much as was formerly the case. In fact, it now seems as if I had no family at all.(1)

WORLDLY-WISEMAN: Then will you listen to me if I give you good advice?

CHRISTIAN: Certainly, I will, provided it is good, for I am in great need of wise counsel.

WORLDLY-WISEMAN: Then I would advise you to get rid of your burden with all possible speed; for you will never have peace of mind until then: nor will you be able to enjoy the benefits of the blessing that God has bestowed upon you until such a time.

1) 1 Corinthians 7:29

John Bunyan in The Pilgrim’s Progress

1. Do you think it is obvious to the world that we are carrying a burden around and if so, do you think they know what it is?

2. Does Christian have a good understanding of what he is supposed to do and where he is supposed to go at this point or is his burden preoccupying him?

3. Didn’t Christian already receive wise counsel from Evangelist as he set out on his pilgrimage?

4. Does Mr. Worldly-Wiseman’s advice sound solid at this point?

How many Mr. Worldly-Wiseman’s have we come upon in this journey we are on? Their numbers are probably more numerous than we truly know. How many times have they deceived us, distracted us or disabled us by their words and counsel? Oh, to be the wiser for it!

To be able to see them while they are yet far off and move to the other side and as they approach us, we place our hands up and cry out “Silence” and move the quicker. And should we find that we are walking with one of them, flee from their deceitfulness to a place of prayer and there seek the leading of that Spirit, that speaks to us words of truth to keep us safe.