Matt Adams resides with his wife, Erin, and son, Emerson, in Milton, FL. They are members of the Oak Grove church of Christ in McDavid, FL. Matt currently works in the banking industry, but has a passion for preaching, teaching, and writing.

In the New Testament story of the establishment and growth of the Lord's church, we see the apostle Paul take a leading role in the spreading of the gospel. Reading through his letters, though, makes it very clear that Paul's work was greatly helped by the efforts of his often less-well-known brethren. The balm of such fellowship was perhaps never felt so keenly as in his times in prison. In the face of persecution from his countrymen and restriction of freedoms from the ruling authorities, the steadfast support of his brethren would have certainly felt like a peaceful haven in the midst of a terrible storm. On the other hand, a brother's betrayal at such a time would have been a devastating blow.

It is against such a backdrop that we see the story of Demas play out. Demas is only mentioned three times in the Bible, all three by Paul from a Roman prison. In Colossians 4:14, Demas is mentioned as one of the brothers with Paul in Rome. And in Philemon 24, Demas is listed among Paul's fellow laborers. Something changes, though, between the writing of these two letters (during Paul's first imprisonment) and his third reference to Demas (during his second, and final, imprisonment). To be accurate, many things changed - Nero had become emperor, the persecution of Christians was increasing in frequency and severity (1 Pet. 4:12), and Paul knew that his death was near (2 Tim.4:6). It is in the midst of such a time that Paul writes to Timothy, his "true son in the faith" (1 Tim. 1:2), and asks him to "be diligent to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica" (2 Tim. 4:9-10).

What was it that Demas loved enough to forsake his brother, fellow laborer, and friend in a time of great trial and need? It could have been sin (1 John 2:15-17). It could have been his family (Matt. 10:34-35). It could have been the thought of sparing his own life that drove him from Paul's side (John 12:25; Rev. 2:10) or any number of other things. Whatever the exact reason, neither Paul nor the Holy Spirit felt it important to say. Neither did they reveal if Demas ever repented of his sin and returned to God's work. What we do know, though, is that his name stands forever etched in the Bible as an example of one who allowed this life to get in the way of the work of the Lord (Matt. 16:26). Quite simply we can see that Demas exchanged his soul for the cares of this life.

Sadly, this describes many Christians even today. The specific circumstance may be family situations, friendly relationships, status, seeking to extend fellowship when God has directed otherwise, or allowing good intentions to overshadow the importance of holding to the truth. Regardless of the reason given, the fact is we as Christians fall away because of love for this present world far too often. Just as Demas did, we may look inside to find that our once well-cultivated heart has been infiltrated by thorns and the cares of this life have carried us away (Matt. 13:22). Demas's life calls out a warning to all of us of the necessity of perseverance. We can align ourselves and associate with the salt of the earth, but if we let the cares of this life grow in our hearts, we will inevitably be drawn away.

What is sad to note about this account is that Demas left Paul at a time when he was needed most, when he could have been of the strongest of supports for his friend and brother. Brethren, how often do we become a Demas with regard to our own brethren? How often do the flames of trials ascend around our brethren, oftentimes around gospel preachers, and instead of standing shoulder-to-shoulder we value our life, the love of this present world, above that blessing of being able to suffer with our brethren for the cause of Christ (Acts 5:41)? Some value their lives, their status, their personal comfort so much that they will let others die for the cause of Christ and barely lift a finger to help or die along with them - some, like Demas. By the same token, some will give up the fight too early, leave the fray, and they'll fade away both spiritually and physically. Sadly, we've seen this happen all too often in the Lord's church among old soldiers who have fought valiantly for the truth for so long, only to throw in the towel as they age due to any number of circumstances that arise. Most often this happens as a result of family issues or other personal circumstances which cause our brethren to compromise rather than continue the fight. Rather than "fight the good fight" and "finish the course," far too many forsake the Lord. Does this describe you?

Where will you and I be when the trials come? Will we face death like Paul, or will we duck our heads and escape like Demas? When Demas forsook Paul and went to Thessalonica, consider the distance one would have to travel to go as far as he did. It was as if he were saying, "I want to be as far away from this intense persecution as possible! I don't want to die yet!" Sadly, in Demas, we see the fulfillment of what Jesus spoke about in Mark 8:35 as He said there would be those who desired to save their lives that would lose it, and those who lost their lives for the sake of the gospel who would save it. Which are we? Do we value our lives, value this world, value what this life has to offer greater than the life to come? Are we the type, like Paul, who are willing to spend and be spent for the cause of Christ? Or are we, like Demas, of the type who are willing to stand for a time, but when the heat gets too hot, we flee because we have a love for something or someone other than our Lord and Savior?

1 John 2:15 instructs us, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." Who and what do we love? What did Demas leave the work of the Lord for? Love of this present world. And if we fail our Lord, what will be the root? Lack of love for the Almighty. The question is posed by our Lord: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8:36-37). For Demas it was this present world. Don't follow the path of Demas, brothers and sisters. May we all learn the lesson here, and may none of us forsake our Lord, His soldiers, or His cause. Brethren, let us all stand strong upon the truth of our Lord and never waiver, come what may. Let us "take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Eph. 6:13). Stand firm and united, dear brethren, with all who love the truth, with those who buy it and sell it not (Prov. 23:23), with those who stand with Christ, with those who are willing to preach the saving message of our Lord!

If we have learned anything, let us take with us the knowledge and determination to not become a Demas, for there is nothing so valuable in this life that is worth sacrificing our soul. Choose, instead, to boldly live out each day as Paul did and be able to say with assurance, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

Are we ready to meet the Lord?

"'Surely I am coming quickly.' Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen" (Rev. 22:20-22).