Daily devotion – Demas, a lost soul.
– Colossians 4:14 – “Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.”
Demas is a name that surfaces only three times in Paul’s letters—and each time paints a progressively darker picture of his spiritual journey.
In his first mention (Philemon 1:24), Demas is honoured: “my fellow labourer.” He stood shoulder to shoulder with giants of the faith—Mark, Aristarchus, and Luke. A good start.
But the second mention, here in Colossians 4:14, simply says: “Demas greets you.” No commendation. No title. Just a name.
The third and final mention is tragic:
2 Timothy 4:10 – “For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world.”
What happened?
Demas abandoned Paul—and more importantly, he abandoned the Lord. The reason? He loved this present world. The term “world” here refers to the entire system of values and pleasures that leaves God out. We don’t know exactly what enticed him—it could have been comfort, acceptance, success, or something else entirely. But we do know it drew his heart away from Christ.
Jesus made it clear in Luke 16:13: “No servant can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and mammon.” Demas tried—but eventually, a choice had to be made. And he chose the world.
This must have deeply wounded Paul—not just personally, but also in the work of the gospel. Faithful co-labourers have always been few. But the one most harmed by this defection was Demas himself. He traded eternity for dust.
1 John 2:17 reminds us: “The world is passing away… but he who does the will of God abides forever.”
Over the years, many of us have known a few Demases. People who once burned brightly for the Lord, only to drift toward the things of the world. It brings deep sorrow—not just because of the loss to the church—but because of the immeasurable treasure they walked away from: the grace, peace, and eternal joy of knowing Christ.
Jesus warns us not to lay up treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19-21), but to store up treasures in heaven—because “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Demas reminds us that it is not enough to start well—we must also finish well.
When many turned away from Jesus, Peter said it best:
John 6:68-69 – “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Let us be like Peter, not Demas. Let us cling to the One who never lets go of us.
Prayer:
Lord, keep my heart anchored in You. Guard me from the empty lures of this passing world. Help me finish well, with eyes fixed on eternity. Amen.