Demas, because he loved the world has deserted me.

Second Timothy, 410 Demas was a man.

Who was once part of the ministry team led by the apostle Paul.

He is mentioned just three times in the Bible. In Philemon he is paid the compliment of being one of Paul's fellow workers. In Colossians, he's merely mentioned by name. But in two Timothy we find this sad indictment Demas has deserted me.

It wasnt that Demas just left.

The greek word implies that he left in a time of need, so his.

Departure put the team in jeopardy.

In other words, he jumped ship, abandoned his post, shirked his duty, and left.

The team at risk. Why? Because he loved the world more than he loved the Lord.

Sadly, that still happens.

One of the most beloved games of my childhood was the infamous throw it.

Up and kill him. Most red blooded american boys have played.

Some version of this cherished contest. The rules were simple.

The game had to be played in the dark.

There were no teams and no required number of players. The declared playing field boundaries were to be honored by all. A football was required.

Girls were allowed to play by invitation only, and on very rare occasions, play.

Began when players formed a circle. A designated player then threw the football high into the air. That's the throw up part of the game. A mad scramble then ensued, with all players trying to grab the bouncing pigskin. Once a player got hold of the ball, he started running. The object was to run with the ball as long as possible without being knocked to the ground by the other players.

That's the kill em part of the game. Just before a runner was nailed, he.

Would throw the ball back into the air, beginning another mad scramble as other players battled for the privilege of being the new runner. The game continued until all players were.

Exhausted, hurt, or parents told us to knock it off.

As a kid, I didn't realize that throw it up and kill him was just a small version of the game. Some grown ups play in church.

Maybe you've seen it played in your church. People only looking out for themselves, people.

Running around with no sense of purpose or teamwork, people determined to knock others.

Down by constant criticism and complaints, and people bailing out when things get tough, just like Demas did. Listen, folks, throw it up and kill em belongs on the playground, not in the church.

Demas was a deserter. Don't be a demas.

This has been your thought for the day with Steve Burkham, pastor of Community Christian Church in Stockton, California. If you have questions or comments for Pastor Steve, please send them to dailythoughtspodcastmail.com have a great day and we hope you'll join us tomorrow as pastor Steve opens God's word to bring us another thought for the day.