"Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica."
2 Timothy 4:10
This is a haunting verse. Demas had been a loyal worker and cherished friend alongside Paul in the cause of Christ (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24). But as Paul sat in prison facing probable execution, Demas found the world more attractive than Christ's service. He turned his back on the cause of Christ and on Christ's servant Paul to pursue some thing of this world that had captivated his heart in Thessalonica.
Demas started well but finished poorly. In contrast as he watched the final sands slipping through his hourglass, Paul was able to say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (4:7).
I want more than anything to finish well. Is there anything that I've allowed to captivate my heart that if left unchecked would cause me to desert Christ for the love of the world?
Father, may my heart belong to Christ alone and be swept clean of all worldliness. Help me to stay faithful to Christ and finish well.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
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