2 Timothy 4:10(KJV)
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
In our anchor Scripture, the revelation of how the love for the present world stole Demas’ heart away from the path of righteousness should serve as a reminder to stay focused on what truly matters in life. Paul and Demas were more than just companions; they were brothers in faith who faced the trials and triumphs of their journeys together. Demas was a respected leader in the early church, his faith and dedication serving as an inspiration to all who knew him. However, the love of the world destroyed the destiny of Demas, who initially was a passionate disciple of Christ along with Timothy, Titus, and Luke. It is undeniable that Demas, who started well, missed it down the line because he did not set his priorities right. The irresistible allure of worldly affairs often proves to be a formidable distraction for those who strive to remain devoted to the kingdom. It is a common phenomenon that many individuals succumb to this temptation and drift away from their spiritual pursuits. 1 John 2:15 says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
The love for the world and the things in the world is a perilous desire. We are in the world but not of the world. The love of the world’s opinions, habits, tastes, privileges, and dispositions diminishes the believer’s faith. It inflames the visible at the expense of the invisible and induces satisfaction at the expense of the greater weight of eternal glory reserved for all saints. All too many people are like Demas. They give every appearance of being committed to Christ and are active in serving Him. Many start their Christian walk very well but turn to love the things of the world only to destroy the glorious future destined for them. There are many things people do which, unknown to them, enslave them to the devil. The love of this world destroyed Samson, who was the most muscular man of his time but died a shameful death. The love of the world led King Solomon astray, and he concluded that all was vanity. The love for the world also aborted the prophetic career of Gehazi, who lost a great opportunity of being a carrier of a triple or quadruple portion of the level of power of his master, Elisha. The love of the world is characterized by the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life, leading to deception for many. However, there is no better life outside of Jesus Christ. Matthew 24:13 says, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
Beloved, be firm in your resolution against all that oppose the Gospel of Christ. Build your life on the will of God, and you and what you lived for will abide forever. It is vital to know this so you can apply your heart to wisdom, the wisdom of serving God and living a holy and righteous life. It is the wisdom of living the way God wants you to live. Drawing closer to God is the key to not being a victim of the destruction of this world. It is a disaster if you build your life on the passing things of the world, for you will pass along with it. Today, desire to know the Truth, practice it, and deny self to glory in Christ alone. Seek God and stay connected to Him by abiding in His Word, walking intimately with Him. It means modeling your life to the dictates and principles of His Word. You need to back up your every thought and action with His Word. Allow the Holy Spirit to work on you and determine not to allow this dangerous love to manifest in your life. Pursue God, and His Goodness and Mercy shall follow you for the rest of your life. Stand strong in faith, knowing that God is with you and He wants you to go all the way to the finish line. Remember, satan wants you to love the world and forget about God, so don’t be ignorant.
O LORD, help me never to forsake you for anything in this world in Jesus’ Name.