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This Week's Scripture & Reflection: II Timothy 4:9-10
Arguably speaking, our sense of sight drives our thoughts and motivations more than any of the other four senses. We are naturally drawn to and inclined to investigate that which is appealing to the eye, and often times, this can lead us into major trouble—just ask Eve (cf. Genesis 3:6-7). The offerings of this present world are also dangerously appealing to the eye: notoriety through various platforms, the wealth and riches acquired through this notoriety, unrestricted access to various types of pleasures, and many others. With all of these seemingly fulfilling offerings constantly bombarding our eyes from day to day, the believer's daily call to to deny oneself and to pick up one's cross must ascend in priority.
Demas, one of the apostle Paul's former co-laborers in the ministry, gives us a unique perspective into this context. Having named Demas as a co-laborer and companion on two occasions (cf. Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24), Paul in his second letter implores Timothy, his trusted spiritual son, to visit him in prison after Demas deserted him to go to Thessalonica due to his love for the present world (cf. II Timothy 4:10). Although Paul does not cite a specific object of lure that drew Demas away, he didn't need to, irrespective of whether there was one or not. The world is filled with lusts that can steer away any individual who is not wholly convinced that what Jesus offers is not only better and more fulfilling, but everlasting.
The apostle Paul informs us that the visible things of the world are temporal, but the invisible things are eternal (cf. II Corinthians 4:18). The apostle John informs us that the world and its lusts are passing away, but the one who does the will of God lives forever (cf. I John 2:17). As the world continues to promote its various lusts, we must continuously remind ourselves that all of what we see is fleeting, and therefore, to live for that which is fleeting is both foolish and wasteful of our precious time here on Earth. Moreover, we must truly comprehend what and whom we have in the person of Jesus Christ! Not only is all of what He offers eternal, but He is eternal Himself! He is worthy to be praised, glorified, and followed because what He offers transcends the pleasures of this finite world (cf. Psalm 16:11).