Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
(Psalm 139:23-24)

Read: Psalm 139, Hebrews 4:1-13
Pilgrim’s Progress Stage 3 Part 12

Relate: It was Discretion that met Christian at the door and, after a brief discussion, allowed him entry. After this, it was Piety who interviewed Christian on his conversion experience as well as the things he had learned at the House of the Interpreter. Now Prudence steps into the discussion. Where Piety’s questions focused upward, “What has God done for you and what has He shown you?” Here, Prudence turns Christian’s focus inward. She asks four questions: “Do you still think of where you have come from? Do you still think the way you did back then? Do you still struggle against your old habits, and how do you handle that? And, why do you pursue heaven?”

If Piety dealt with justification and the indwelling of the Spirit (who will show us and teach us all things: John 14:26, 16:13), now Prudence deals with the second act of salvation: sanctification. Where have you come from, where are you heading, and how is the journey?

React: In the book, these questions are being asked within minutes of the four ladies meeting Christian. In real life, it usually takes a lot more time and trust before we can start getting and giving honest answers about the inner motivations of our hearts. What is God doing in our lives? Yes. We should be ready and willing to share this with everyone at the drop of a hat. How are we handling the walk, and even our struggles and failures? These questions rightly need a bit more trust and a relationship built up first.

And that is one big danger I have seen in church trends since COVID. More and more, people think they are fine in getting by with going to church once or twice a month. More and more people are doing church online or “getting fed” through podcasts or YouTube church services. Don’t get me wrong. These are great. I have five churches I listen to online on a weekly basis (Two Rivers Church, and the podcasts: Desiring God, Crazy Love, Mosaic, and Passion City Church). But these can never replace the most important part of going to church: the relationships and community found there that we all need. It would be… Prudent… for us all to get back into that habit.

Respond:

Dear God,
I am so grateful that nothing is hidden from You. You uncover the thoughts and attitudes of my heart. But for me to see them and align them better toward Your will, I need a community of believers whom I trust enough to show me my blind spots. Give me the Prudence to faithfully participate in the fellowship of believers that is Your Body.
Amen