“For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world …” (2 Timothy 4:10)
The saddest words are: “He used to walk with the Lord.” The story of Demas is a cautionary tale for every zealous believer. Demas was once so on fire for Christ that he was a companion of the great apostle Paul. They did ministry together. They shared sweet fellowship. But something happened that caused Demas to break ranks. Paul attributes the defection to a love for this present world.
Don’t think the god of this world will let up on you just because you have decided to follow Jesus. The world still holds forth many a seductive charm to those who have not learned to love the Father more than they love themselves. Once saved, our minds must be renewed. We must choose to hate what God hates and love what God loves. We cannot call evil good. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life must be denied. When they are not, a slow and subtle gravitation away from Christ and back into the world begins.
The world and its lusts have passed away for Demas. Whatever captivated him no longer has any appeal. But a world of good and glory awaits all who will do the will of God in every generation.