What Happened?
We all know that sometimes things do not go as planned. I’m sure you can think of healthy, beneficial goals that have been abandoned in your life. Why does this happen? Again, we can think of many reasons, or dare I say excuses, that cause us to abort our path. Occasionally, we may even look back and ask ourselves, “What happened?”
In the pages of the Bible, God has provided for us His complete revelation. It contains all the necessary information related to “life and godliness” (2 Peter 1.3). However, I still wish I knew more about certain texts at times. For example, I often wonder about 2 Timothy 4.10. “For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.”
Most believe this is the same Demas that is identified as one of Paul’s “fellow workers” in Philemon 24. He appears to be the Demas who sent his greetings to the Colossian Christians (Colossians 4.14). So, what happened? How does one go from a dedicated and concerned Christian missionary to one who abandoned Paul due to his love for the present world?
I acknowledge that we do not know every detail of this story. However, Paul’s chosen words paint a very negative picture. The word that Paul used for deserted is related to the idea in 2 Corinthians 4.9. Although, it is used in the opposite way. In 2 Corinthians 4.9, while illustrating numerous difficulties related to their work for Jesus, Paul boldly claims that God had not forsaken them. Also, the world in which Demas loved is not an aspect of this world that would be considered positive in God’s sight. What happened?
Even without the details that we might desire, I hope you carefully consider the following reminders in relation to you and your family.
- A Christian, once on a good path in service to God, can change direction.
- The allurement of the world is strong.
- The idea to abandon his work with Paul probably did not form overnight. Instead, it was likely a slow progression.
- Parents can begin on a great path for their children in relation to God, yet lose sight of it through an unhealthy desire of worldly activity.
How far did Demas actually turn in relation to God? We don’t know. Did he return later? We are not told. But I often wonder if he ever looked back and asked the question, “What happened.” There was probably a time in his life when Demas never could have imagined deserting Paul. But he still did it. Be careful not to live a life that causes you to look back and say, “What happened?”