For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: —2 Timothy 4:10, 14
How many reading this have invested time, effort, money, and education pouring yourself into others, only to have them leave, separate, move on, or plain old quit? If I were to guess percentage wise, I would say 100 percent.
In all honesty, it hurts, damages, pains, and even brings heartache to all of us. Why is it we spend so much time talking to others about these situations? Is it for our own affirmation, gratification, or confirmation that we are right and they are wrong for leaving?
A wise man once told me, “Everyone will not make the journey with you. They pass through your life for a moment and then move on.” Not because of anything we did or did not do. It was just time for them to exit the stage of our lives. You see, the scene changes periodically, and the next act demands different characters to come along to propel the story as we journey into the future.
No. We do not like the exit of some, so how do we handle that when it happens? Paul gives us the easy button here in 2 Timothy 4:10. He makes mention of a friend forsaking him. Take note if you would how he answers what must have been a question of what has happened to Demus. Paul is straightforward and to the point: “Demus hath forsaken me, having loved this present world.” He gives no big explanation, nor does he waste time in a long, drawn-out discourse of drama. He moves forward with instruction. In verse 14, he mentions Alexander and simply says, “The Lord reward him according to his works.”
Our prayer for you this week: May Jesus help us move forward and quit wasting our time discussing people who have left our circle.
