(Editor's Note: This is the seventh in a series of articles by Dr. Theodore Kalivoda on the shortcomings of Bible characters. The article is written for exclusive use on the Grace Community Chapel website.)
I deviate from major characters to discuss Demas, a minor New Testament character. Mentioned in only three verses –Colossians.4:14, Philemon 24, and 2 Tim.4:10, his story holds an important lesson for us. It is the latter reference in which he stands out: "Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me,"
A fellow worker with Paul, Demas for some unexplained reason chose to split. Since "he loved this world," his break with Paul must have involved more than a disagreement over methodology in carrying out the ministry. It sounds like he desired the comforts that the world offered (money, marriage, a home, relaxation, etc.) in place of the rigors of a traveling evangelist. If that was the case, it's lessons for us are obvious.
The world is usually defined in terms of pleasure. And pleasure requires money, which may have been a part of Demas' problem. But maybe something else was involved, a problem of even more widespread significance - loss of zeal for Christ. It's a phenomenon that can strike anyone at any time. Satan is cunning as he draws us from Christ with any number of temptations. Stand fast! Without wavering! Christ has done a marvelous work in us. He begs us not to desert him.
Ted will be happy to respond to any comments or questions from readers via E-Mail: 
