2 Timothy 4:10&14 For Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica…14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.
Power and influence without character is demonic. “Character is power”. Character is developed through pain, suffering, disappointments and challenges. The American blind and deaf writer and lecturer Helen Keller said “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” Values are the backbone of character development and virtues direct our actions and reactions. Those who lack both virtues and values will be swayed by the changing circumstances.
Demas was a co-labourer of Paul the Apostle, but Paul witnessed at the far end of his missionary journey that Demas deserted Paul because he loved the world. The word “Demas” means “popular”. Demas was also in Rome with Paul (Colossians 4:14) but he was swayed by popularity and prominence. When Paul was in the Roman prison where he was unlawfully imprisoned for preaching the Gospel, Demas left him. Those who shift sides as they fear the disapproval of people are self-seeking and lack character. The virtuous will choose to suffer with those who are persecuted for the truth.
Bible Scholars believe that Alexander the Coppersmith referred to in (2 Timothy 4) is the same Alexander referred to in (Acts 19). Alexander was an influential Jewish metalworker in Ephesus. When riot broke in Ephesus over the preaching of Paul that ‘gods made with human hands are not gods at all’, Alexander was pushed forward to be ‘the amicable arbitrator’ between the guild of traders and the missionaries but instead he became a personal enemy of Paul. Paul warned Timothy, the pastor of the church in Ephesus, about the lethal predator Demas. Alexander used his affluence and influence to prejudice the Roman authorities against Paul. People with influence and power without virtues, values and visions are destructive and dangerous.
Virtues, Values & Visions:
1. Attacked: Those who stand with us when we are falsely attacked are true friends and family. People who choose to be silent or even change boats when we are persecuted for the truth lack godly virtues. Their values are dead and vision is blinded.
2. Accosted: Those who withdraw from us when we are accosted do not want to identify themselves with us and become unpopular. They value being accepted by the crowd more than the virtue of integrity and faithfulness.
3. Accused: Those who turn their backs on us when we are accused falsely are not friends; they were only opportunists. However, those who join hands with the wicked to throw stones at us are vicious. Don’t hold hatred against them but wait for the Lord to vindicate.
Power and influence without character is self-destructive. It blows-up, not only harming them but also those around them.
2 Timothy 4:17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to build godly character that will be my backbone to be a godly influence in the world. Amen.
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