I Love You but...

For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica." 2Timothy 4:10

The apostle Paul is now in prison in Rome, a second time. His death is imminent and he faces it with some resolve and great satisfaction. He has fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith (v.7)  However, he is somewhat alone in his final days and he has a great desire to see his protege Timothy.

As Paul speaks of those who have found better things to do than stand in support of him, he mentions Demas. Someone that he has spoken of before, but now someone who has made a choice to do other than encourage and support Paul in his final days. Demas is in love. In love with the present world.

Technically two things about this verse. One, the word love is a form of the word agape, a word many folks like to associate with "divine love". However that is not necessarily how Paul uses it here. Also "world" is better translated as present age.

The issue at hand is not the Demas did not love Paul, he did. He simply loved something else more. He loved life and what life had to offer. Consequently, he heads back to Thessalonica.

This verse caused a pause for me because it reminded me how often my love for God is an "I love you but..." type of love. I love you but, I desire comfort rather than inconvenience.  I love you but, I prefer a lifestyle of things rather than devotion. I love you but, I am not confident moving out of my "comfort zone" into the unknown.

None of this means I do not love God and see myself committed to Christ. It simply means, my love is often set with certain parameters because I am complacent and desire the familiar rather than the mystery of life.  I prefer the status quo rather then being stretched in my thinking and my faith.

Father Spirit, I am a bit ashamed of my love for this present world. I am embarrassed by the limited love and fragile faith I live out. May I be more bold and more trusting to reach beyond my comfort zone.