Use to be.

“Make every effort to come to me soon, for Demashas deserted me, because he loved this present world, and has gone to Thessalonica.” 2 Timothy 4:9

At one time in the Apostle Paul’s ministry, a man named Demas was a very faithful “fellow laborer”. However, we know that eventually Demas became a “use to be”. A “use to be” is someone who use to be a faithful fellow laborer but like Demas, gave way to the appetites of this word and no longer serves or fellowships with the church. I’ve been pastoring long enough and observing people long enough that i think i’ve put together some clues and/or signs to show what happens to a person as they fade away and fall back into the world in which they once escaped.

In order as I have observed.

1. Stop talking to the pastor

2. Stop serving in their specific ministry.

3. Start missing regular worship occassionally.

4. Stop serving altogether.

5. Stop talking to other church members.

6. Start a string of excuses/lies as to why they are no longer serving or faithful. 

7. Start blaming others (usually the pastor) for their exiting. 

8. Stop coming altogether.

9. Total avoidance of church family

10. Deny Deny Deny that they are the guilty party. Slap on a name tag that says, “HELLO my name is Demas.

Demas didn’t leave Paul at once. Demas had a slow and steady departure. It’s harder to notice when its slow and steady. But here is my list as observed in my own experience. Check yo self before you wreck yo self. 

4 months ago  /  2 notes