Demas

Demas is only mentioned 3 times in the New Testament, yet he is the image of a huge portion of young Christians. In Philemon 1 Paul is in prison and references Demas as one of his fellow workers. Demas is working diligently with Paul for the cause of Christ, though it means persecution and maybe death. He is equal with Paul. Demas is still hanging out with Paul in the letter to the Colossians, but he doesn't get the same recognition. While Luke is called "the beloved physician" in chapter 4, Demas is merely mentioned as sending a greeting. Finally, II Timothy 4:10 says, "Demas, in love with the present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica."

Demas was 100% committed as a young Christian. He was willing to go the distance for God. Then he got caught up in the world. God became second priority and then he wasn't a priority at all. That's the way most Christians I know are. They are so in love with the thought of a perfect and loving God that they'd do anything to glorify God. Then reality sinks in. The Bible is a book that calls Christians to take up their cross and follow Christ, even to death. It calls them to separate themselves from everything and everyone who separates them from God (family included). It calls them to give up all that they love more than Christ, even if that means selling every material possession. It calls them to endure difficult persecution, suffering, and trials. It calls them to be different from the world and to be hated by the world.

Christianity is certainly not easy. But rest assured that there is great reward in glorifying God both in this life and the next. God designed us to worship him, and fulfilling our purpose fills us with unfathomable joy. God blesses us in infinite ways and is constantly able to guide us, fight our battles, and lift us up. In Christ there is also the promise of an eternal life in the presence of God, which is far better than anything the present world could ever claim offer.