Make every effort to come to me soon, for Demas has deserted me, because he loved this present world, and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 2 Timothy 4:9-10 HCSB
Our culture tells us that if we are going to be successful we must have more money and power. I can remember as newlyweds my wife and I longed to have a nice home like others we knew. God was very good to us and provided a small parsonage at the first church we served in Orlando, Florida. The home had been freshly painted and new carpet installed but we still dreamed of the day we would have a larger home. Now that we are older and God has provided a very nice home, it does not seem as important as it once did. Our values are different. Our son, Jonathan, has made two mission trips to Africa. One time he spent nine weeks living in a thatched hut with a dirt floor. The other time he shared a room with another missionary and they had to gather rain water or go a long distance to get water. This has helped us keep in perspective how richly blessed we are as Americans. We all take so much for granted.
Demas had been a disciple and follower of Paul. He had been a companion and helper but evidently when Paul was arrested, he decided to leave him and return to Thessalonica. He loved the things of the world more than he did the things of God. Demas sought worldly pleasures and wanted more wealth, power, and material goods – even if gaining them meant hurting other people and neglecting the work God had given him to do.
Challenge: Do you love the things of the world more than the things of God? There is nothing wrong with desiring to have a nice home or enjoying some of life’s pleasures but the question is, “Have the things of the world become your main focus?” Are you willing to sacrifice the work of God to gain the things of the world? Where are your priorities?