Pilgrim's Progress: The High Hill

Christian, heeding the advice of Worldly Wiseman, begins to climb the high hill. It reads, "when he was got now hard by the hill, it seemed so high, and also that side of it that was next to the wayside did hang so much over, that Christian was afraid to venture further, lest the hill should fall on his head; wherefore there he stood still, and knew not what to do. Also now his burden seemed heavier to him" (p. 29). 

Building on yesterday, Christian discovers the burden of legalism.  No matter how hard you work, the burden feels heavier and heavier.  Christian recognizes that he cannot climb higher, he cannot improve his behavior any more and yet he does not know how to turn back from his action.  He is deathly afraid of falling off the wayside.  In other words, he fears that his behaviors will falter and he will face eternal torment.

Legalism never saves.  It increases our burden.  Pray that God would reveal your legalism and turn back to grace.