Little Pilgrim's Progress Guide for Children: Meet 15 Worldly Characters

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Little Pilgrim's Big Journey is written for children ages 2 -12.

Based on John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, an incredible story that has moved the hearts of countless generations of Christians journeying to heaven as pilgrims in this fallen world.

Little Pilgrim's Big Journey: Pilgrim's Progress for Kids is available in a boxed set. The set comes in two parts. Part One follows a little boy named Christian who becomes aware of his burden (sin) and flees the city of destruction. We accompany Christian as he enters the narrow gate to start his journey to the Celestial City (heaven).

Part Two of the boxed set is a story about the siblings Christian left behind in the City of Destruction. The story starts with Christiana, Eli, and Jude dealing with the aftermath of Christian's departure. This book is written from the perspective of Christiana and will be an excellent resource for parents with little girls.

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Little Pilgrims Progress Big Journey: Pilgrim’s Progress for Kids: Part 1 & 2 Boxed Set

Follow Christian on his unforgettable journey and help equip your kids to lead a life of faith as they follow the King’s path to the Celestial City. Made with an heirloom quality cloth hardcover with gold foil print, this is a book meant to last for generations. With 224 pages of captivating illus…

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Little Pilgrim's Progress For Kids Modern Guide

1. Learn about the Good Places
2. Meet the Good Guys
3. Meet 15 Worldly People
4. Learn About the Bad Places
5. Meet the Bad Guys
6. Christian's Armor of God Explained

Modern Guide of 'Worldly People' in Little Pilgrim's Progress

Passion

Passion represents human beings when we fall for the things in this world that may look fun and innocent but are actually sinful.

How can you learn self-control? The Bible mentions self-control as one of the fruits of the Spirit, which means you have to think before you act. You can't just do things without thinking; you must constantly weigh decisions against what the Lord asks you to do. You have to obey and glorify Him in everything; for example, you can't play all day long—you have to do chores. We all have other jobs to do.

Talk about these verses:

• Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls. (Proverbs 25:28)
• But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:23)
• But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:27)

Atheist

An atheist is a type of person you might encounter who will try to tell you God doesn't exist.

Important: They call themselves atheists because they have rejected God and don't believe He sent His son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. People who are atheists don't have any faith and don't want to learn the truth that God is our creator and our King. However, the Bible is very clear about what happens when people don't believe—they’ll end up in Hell when they die. So, we must pray that they’ll repent before it's too late.

Talk about these verses:

• The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good. (Psalm 14:1)
• “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)

Mistrust

Sometimes, you’ll meet people who don't trust anybody or anything.

Important: These people don't trust in God either, which is the opposite of what the Bible tells you to do. You need to trust in God and realize that He is the only one on whom you can truly rely. When you’re saved, (Christian's scroll), you’ll never lose that salvation. When you need help, you can rely on the Lord to help you. Trust Him, and He’ll tell you what to do.

Talk about these verses:

• Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
• Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. (Psalms 37:3-5)
• You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength. (Isaiah 26:3-4)

Ignorance

Some people say they’re believers, but they know little about the Bible and what God expects from us. They’re ignorant when it comes to understanding how we, as Christians, should live.

How to fight off ignorance: God's word is the truth. If you don't know the truth, you’ll have difficulty discerning lies. (Remember the Belt of Truth that Christian wears.) You must constantly read the Bible because your knowledge can be used as a sword (Sword of the Spirit) to cut through the world’s lies and deceptions. You have no reason to be ignorant because you have a Bible. So, read the Bible every day, and pray that the Holy Spirit will work in your heart and that you’ll faithfully follow its instructions.

Talk about these verses:

• My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. (Hosea 4:6)
• But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-8)

Obstinate

Obstinate is the type of person who is difficult to be around because he’s stubborn, inflexible, and unwilling to ever change.

Important: If you’re stubborn and unwilling to listen to other people, it may cause you to make unwise decisions. If you’re obstinate and don't listen to God, you’ll have to bear the consequences. The Lord won't bless you if you do your own thing and only listen to yourself. Stop being stubborn, and obey God.

Talk about these verses:

• "Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:" (Isaiah 30:1)
• "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." (Proverbs 29:1)

Simple

Simple-minded people believe everything they read, see, and hear. They don't think very deeply about anything.

Don't just believe something: The Bible warns that if we don't think carefully about the ideas, events, and theories around us, we may end up believing something untrue that the Bible doesn’t support. Many people make up things that are meaningless in the end. You need to exercise sound judgment and be careful about whom you talk to and what you believe is true, so you don't get sucked in by the liars and cheats of this world.

Talk about these verses:

• Test all things; hold fast what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
• The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps.(Proverbs 14:15)
• Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. (Colossians 2:8)

Slothful

Slothful is another name for “lazy.” Lazy people don't want to do anything; they avoid what seems like too much work.

Why you should not be lazy: God states that you should not be lazy because when you are, you don't glorify Him. God encourages you to look at ants for an example of hard work. When you have a moment, go outside and look at how hard ants work. He wants you to work hard like that and use all the talents He has given you. Don’t be lazy; if you are, life will be difficult for you.

Talk about these verses:

• Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest. (Proverbs 6:6-8)
• Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
• For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

Timorous

Timorous is a fancy way of saying you’re afraid or lack the courage to do something meaningful.

Important: Remember when Joshua took over for Moses as a leader? God told him to be strong and courageous. God was with Joshua, and it's the same for you and me. God is with you, so He commands you to be courageous and not fear what others might say or do. Sometimes, it's scary to tell people that you’re Christian or to share the gospel news. But don't be afraid; God is with you.

Talk about these verses:

• Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:)
• Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ (Isaiah 41:10)
• For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Talkative

Talkative is the type of person who doesn't stop talking.

It's better to listen than talk: When you meet someone for the first time or talk with them at school or church, ask how they’re doing and really listen to their answers. Focus on the other person; be a listener, not a talker. It's selfish to dominate conversations and force the other person to listen to the sound of your voice. Plus, you come across as a fool when you talk on and on. Practice self-control when you are around others. Listen and pay attention to them.

Talk about these verses:

• So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; (James 1:19)
• In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise. (Proverbs 10:19)
• Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes through much activity, And a fool’s voice is known by his many words. (Ecclesiastes 5:2-3)

Worldly

Worldly is the type of person who is very focused on enjoying every last thing this world has to offer. However, the world will not last, and neither will its temporary pleasures.

Important: If you’re focused on things the world (City of Destruction) finds essential, you will find it ultimately results in nothing good. God says we should focus on Him, read the bible, obey Him, glorify Him, and expand His kingdom. The world only offers temporary pleasures and treasures; Heaven is where Christians store their treasures. When you die, you can’t take your money or all the trips and fun experiences you had with you. None of those things can save you from going to Hell. Focusing on what God tells you to do while on this Earth is better. That way, you’ll spend eternity in Heaven, worshipping and celebrating God with the other saints.

Talk about these verses:

• Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)
• Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (James 4:4)
• Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15)
• For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. (1 John 2:16)
• And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:17)

Presumption

Presumption is another word for being too confident. Some people think very highly of themselves and what they can accomplish. How does the Lord feel about that type of thinking?

Important: The Bible says you should only boast about God (talk God up). You shouldn’t brag about yourself and how amazing you are. If you think you know everything, well, that's a problem according to the Bible. The Bible warns you not to rely on your understanding, and not to be too confident that you have everything figured out. You need God every day; you need His wisdom, especially. So, let’s all be humble and speak from a perspective where we know very little about many things.

Talk about these verses:

• that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:31)
• But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends. (2 Corinthians 10:17-18)
• Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Pliable

Pliable is somebody easily convinced of something by someone else. Simply put, you can tell Pliable anything, and he might believe you, but he’ll keep changing his mind because he’s easily swayed.

Important: You need to stand up for yourself and others. Be an independent thinker and remember that reading the Bible and understanding what God wants you to do and how He wants you to live will help you stand tall against any lies and ideas people want you to accept. Like Christian, if you wear the Belt of Truth (you know what’s true because the Bible cuts through worldly lies), you won't be easily convinced of anything that goes against that truth.

Talk about these verses:

• And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)

Hypocrisy

Hypocrites are insincere and don't do what they tell others to do.

How to fight hypocrisy: Have you ever met a person who said one thing but did something else entirely? That kind of behavior is dishonest, insincere, and especially bad when people pretend to be Christians but don’t live Godly lives. The Pharisees in the Bible pretended to be the most super-religious people ever, but they didn't believe in Jesus and instead did their own thing. Jesus often mentioned the Pharisees’ behavior in Matthew, and He didn’t like it all. So, don't say one thing and then do another, especially when you profess your faith as a Christian.

Talk about these verses:

• What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? (James 2:14)
• In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. (Luke 12:1)
• “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (Matthew 23:27-28)

Formalist

A formalist is a person who likes traditions and rituals, but they don't have faith in God. They prefer traditions over actually serving God.

Important: Don't fall into the trap of simply following traditions. For example, at Christmas, many people give each other presents and spend time together as a family, but they don't believe Jesus Christ was born around Christmas. They don't believe He came to earth to free us from hell and damnation. Although formalists like the Christmas tradition and celebrate it each year, unless they repent of their sins, they’ll die and go to Hell because Christmas was merely an empty ritual for them.

Talk about these verses:

• So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. (Revelation 3:16)
• He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2:4)
• Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

Flatterer

When someone is over-the-top nice to you and says fantastic things, but secretly they don't mean a word of it, we call that person a flatterer.

How to recognize people who flatter you: Christian listened to Flatterer on his journey, and what happened? He got caught in Flatterer’s net. Watch out, and do not trust flatterers. More importantly, be honest in your speaking and be sincere and genuine in your behavior. Be the light in this world.

Talk about these verses:

• They speak idly everyone with his neighbor; With flattering lips and a double heart they speak. May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, And the tongue that speaks proud things, (Psalm 12:2-3)
• For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:18)
• A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin. (Proverbs 26:28)

Summary

Parents, I hope you found this modern guide on the '15 Worldly Characters' in Little Pilgrim's Progress helpful in preparing your kids for their journey as little Christians.

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