Faith Companions

If Philippians 3:18 were written in the style of Pilgrim's Progress, it might look something like this...

The embattled road of faith I tread with caution but not fear, for it is defended by my fellow travelers, one on each side, one before and another behind. Surrounded then by their close defense I ask their names. The twins Discouragement and Despair flank me, while the other two are strangely named for those on faith’s journey. Ahead of me is Logic, a sound fellow, and guarding my rear is Reason. Whilst encircled and apparently securely guarded, I must say, my companions' attention appears to be far more toward me than any potential attack from beyond the road's steep boundaries. With these guards my progress is impeded but I'm sure it is for the best for as Reason often reminds me, “there is surely safety in numbers”. Sadly, I cannot see faith’s path clearly since Logic is such a big fellow and blocks the view of danger almost completely. Reason tells me we are fine, but I'm not sure how he knows from back there. Despair seems to be overcome with imaginary danger and fights with Logic for my attention. I'm not sure his twin is really so much help either as he continuously describes the steep drop and rugged cliffs instead of the road we are upon. I begin to wonder if Proverbs 3:5-6 would be a better guide than this disparate quartet, for though they seem to travel my way, progress is uncertain at best.