“I have kept the faith.” If we could find the tombstone of Paul’s grave, that would probably be the epitaph. In his second letter to Timothy, the apostle wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (v. 4:7)

Then he went on to speak of the reward awaiting him: “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (v. 8) Will there be a crown of righteousness laid up for you? Paul mentions several people in his closing remarks to Timothy, yet two names stand out. The first is Demas, whom the apostle said, “has forsaken me, having loved this present world.” (v. 10) What a sad legacy! In his letter to the believers at Colossae, Paul sent greetings from Demas and other faithful servants, In Philemon 24, Demas is referred to by the apostle as “my fellow [laborer].” What happened? The answer is simple. The calling to serve Christ offers a life of suffering, with the promise of immeasurable and fulfilling reward when the work is done. The world offers immediate but temporary gratification. Demas decided to take the cheap prize. Apparently, he counted the cost and didn’t want to continue the sacrifice. The other man mentioned by Paul was Mark. This is the young man that deserted the apostle on the first missionary journey (See Acts 13:13). Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement over his usefulness in Acts 15:36-41. Now, Paul says that Mark “is useful to me for ministry.” (v. 11) The young servant stumbled but proved faithful in the end. He obviously had his focus on the eternal reward. And you? Have you kept the faith?

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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