I've been listening

I don’t know about you, but I am not a prolific reader. I enjoy reading, but a book has to really grip me for me to sit down and read it in a couple of days.

However, I have discovered audio books, which means I can go for a walk and listen to a text. Currently I am listening to “Pilgrims Progress”, a Christian allegory written in 1678 by John Bunyan while in prison. The audio book I am listening to is read in the original text, which in many ways adds to the character of the tale.

Having nearly completed the first part of the story, I confess I am deeply challenged by various ways in which the main character, Christian, seeks to make his way to the Celestial City. The naming of the various people along the way, and the outworking of their names, Ignorance, Hopeful etc, has caused me to pause and consider. Another feature, is the numerous biblical references, woven into the narrative.

If Bunyan were to write this script today, who would be the characters who would see to dissuade us from “passionately following Jesus”. How would I name them in my life?

Busyness, Conformity, Tolerance, Notreallysin, are but a few of the “names” that come to mind.

Central to the narrative are Jesus’ words Matthew 7:113 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. 14 For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

It would be fair to say, listening to the book has been uncomfortable, challenging, and thought provoking. I would wholeheartedly encourage you to read/listen to it. May it speak and challenge you, as it is me.