THE DEMAS SYNDROME

"Demas has left me and he has gone to Thessalonica city. He wanted to enjoy the things of this world too much.......".- 2 Timothy 4:10 (EASY)

In October 1944, Stephen Weiss, a 19 year old soldier walked away from the 36th Infantry Division in France during World War II. Weiss deserted his duty post and sought the safety of the rear as his unit was pounded by German artillery. When he was asked during his court martial procedures why he walked away, he said: “Because I broke down inside. The artillery shells were coming, and I shook all over and just went to pieces.” He was then dishonourably discharged and sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labour. (The Deserters: A Hidden History of World War II by Charles Glass)

"From that time, many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life" -John 6:66-68 (KJV)

Whenever I hear stories of how valiant soldiers of the Cross are walking away from their duty post like Stephen Weiss, my heart bleeds uncontrollably. Then, I understand why the question that Jesus Christ asked the twelve disciples in John 6:67 is still relevant in our generation. It is quite saddening to see many Demas' absconding to Thessalonica to satisfy their inordinate personal ambitions. The Demas Syndrome disconnected many soldiers of Christ from their commanding officers during the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ and Apostle Paul is still wrecking havoc in our generation. This terrible syndrome turned many great destinies away from the path of faithfulness and loyalty to the heavenly mandate. Like Weiss, they fled the path of honour because something broke down inside them. Yes, something happened within them that loosened their rope of allegiance and consecration to God. The unrestrained craving for the things of this world has poured cold water on the blasting altars in their souls. The artillery of worldliness has decimated their souls and torn into pieces the armoury of God within them. 

It is obvious that we have many absconded believers or deserted soldiers of Jesus Christ everywhere in this  generation. They seek the safety of the rear by shying away from their duties and responsibilities in the Kingdom. They have been distracted and lured away from kingdom service by their jobs, careers, businesses, friends, spouse, and even family members. Some deserted the Kingdom's Army because of unfulfilled dreams and expectations. Many have walked away because no one appreciated them, while others chose to step aside because of pride, unresolved conflicts, unforgiveness, pleasure, and sinful habits. Like Demas, these people have mortgaged their everlasting rewards in heaven for the ephemeral pleasure, money and prestige in Thessalonica (Matthew 19:28-29). They chose the mundane things of this world at the expense of their eternal souls (1 John 2:15-16). What a grievous blunder!

Beloved, I hope you are not one of the Demas - the Deserter in the Lord's Army. I hope Heaven has not declared you AWOL (Absent Without Leave). Hope the altars of sacrifice and faithfulness within you has not broken down? Hope you are not the Brother/Sister/Deacon/Pastor/Evangelist Demas of your church/Parish/Area/Zone? Are you still in your Rome, or you are now in Thessalonica? Are you still in the Lord's Army, or have you absconded? If your answers to these questions are not affirmative, then repent now or prepare to face the heaven's court marshal for being Absent Without Leave. 

Beloved, I strongly believe God is calling us to renew our commitment to serve Him like a valiant and faithful soldier in our Rome until the trumpet sounds. In the court of Heaven, abandoning our Paul in Rome is a serious capital offence. The consequences can be terrible and unbearable. 

One very simple but powerful hymn that describes what God expects from His valiant soldiers is titled "Faithful Unto Death."

FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH by Fanny J Crosby

Up and onward, Christian soldier,

Hear thy lord’s divine command;

Be thou ready when he calls thee

In the foremost ranks to stand.

Refrain:

      Unto death, O be thou faithful,

      Strong in Him, thy Strength and Shield;

      Go thou forth where duty calls thee,

      Truth’s eternal sword to wield.

Up and onward, Christian soldier,

To the conflict and the strife;

God will test thy zeal and courage,

Ere thou enter into life.

Up and onward, be not weary,

Do not lay thy armor down;

Thou must fight the battle bravely,

Ere thy soul can wear a crown.

Up and onward, firm and fearless,

Like the vet’rans of the past;

Then, thro’ him whose grace redeems thee,

Thou shalt overcome at last.

May nothing in this world be able to lure us away from our commanding officer - Jesus Christ. The oil of mercy will mend everything broken thing within us. And God's grace will keep us standing at our duty posts till the trumpet sounds in Jesus name. Amen.

Good day, and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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