Published: March 09, 2026 at 03:15 PM

Tags: books, pilgrims-progress, reading, gospel, christian-life, chapter-18

After loss and hardship, it becomes even more tempting to listen to voices that promise an easier religion, one that never costs much and always pays back.

Mr. By-ends

Christian and his new companion, Hopeful, meet Mr. By-ends, a man who loves religion as long as it serves his advantage. He speaks of faith the way a businessman speaks of opportunity. If following God brings comfort, status, or profit, he is enthusiastic. But if discipleship requires sacrifice, he quietly turns another way.

By-ends twists truth so that it always benefits him. He refuses a costly path and cannot understand why anyone would endure hardship for Christ. Christian and Hopeful discern his spirit and part ways, knowing that a faith built on convenience is not faith at all.

1 Timothy 6:5 (KJV)

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

Using religion for gain reveals a corrupt heart.