Behind the Battle - Affection Day 4

Devotional: Demas was not a stranger to the work of God. He had labored alongside Paul, one of the greatest servants in the history of the church. He had seen miracles. He had helped plant churches. He had walked through persecution. And yet something about the present world captured his heart and pulled him away. Paul does not say that Demas stopped believing. He says that Demas loved the present world. That distinction matters. You can hold on to your theology while surrendering your heart to something else. The departure of Demas did not begin with a dramatic rebellion. It began with a love that was slowly redirected toward the wrong thing.

Reflection: Is there something in your life right now that has been slowly receiving more of your love and devotion than Jesus has? Name it honestly before God today.

Practical Application: Pray specifically over the thing or relationship or ambition that has begun to compete with your obedience to Christ. Surrender it by name in prayer and ask God to reorder your priorities around his kingdom.