Enjoy Life, Enjoy God

LOOKING BACK

January 21, 2011

Might we live differently today, if we knew others or we would have the opportunity to look back on what we did? And in the light of that history, it didn't look so good for us?

Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.
                                                  - 2 Timothy 4:9,10 TNIV

We don't know much about Demas. But Demas gave up following Paul's leadership, and maybe Christ, because the lure of the world’s promises was more powerful than the call of faithfulness to Christ. Demas sort of haunts me; I have a good bit of that worldliness seducing me as well. But imagine looking back 2000 years later, and there's your name in the Bible saying, "He was a discipleship drop out."

Years ago, Dr. Bill Bright asked oodles of young people, "Are you willing to go anywhere, anytime, at any personal cost to heed Christ's call?" Since hearing that question I've been wondering how I'd answer. Demas said, "No." I pray I am no Demas.

Joyfully,

Dale Patterson