Don’t let anybody tell you ignorance is bliss, because it’s not true. A city in Ohio held a rally for one of its mayoral candidates. During the program, the people joined in singing “Onward Christian Soldiers.”

After the selection, the candidate came to the platform and said, “I never knew that ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ was a Christian song.” I’m sure many of the people thought twice before choosing to elect him as their next mayor.

Some Christians are ignorant of the most basic elements of the Christian life. They wonder why they struggle with sin because they don’t know they have two natures. They get discouraged and ready to quit when someone hurts them because they’re oblivious to the fact that they’re in a spiritual battle. They can’t figure out why they lack peace because they don’t know how to put their burdens in God’s hands.

It will take new Christians time to grow. But they can’t afford to be ignorant of the battle going on inside of them. We who have known Christ for a number of years should show new believers how to build up their new nature. We ought to help them grow in their knowledge and personal walk with Christ.

Do you still remember the person who first showed you the basics of the Christian faith? Be that person to a new believer today. Keep that person accountable. Tell him or her you’re praying—and do it. Maybe someday that person will do the same thing for another new Christian. Be a part of the circle of helping others starting today!

Grace experienced makes people gracious. Mercy enjoyed makes them merciful. Forgiveness received makes them forgiving. And faith bestowed makes them faithful. — Unknown Author

Devotional by Dr. James A. Scudder

2 Timothy 4:10 states, “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.”

Demas is mentioned two other times as a friend of Paul’s. Yet we read in this verse that he forsook Paul for the present world. Can you imagine forsaking the greatest evangelist of all time (besides the Lord Himself)?

These are the last words of this chapter and some of the last words spoken by Paul. There are many characters that surround Paul. No doubt, Paul and others had high hopes for Demas. But something happened, and Demas had departed.

Remember, there is never a good time to quit the Christian life, especially when the need is so great. Consider how Paul felt when he wrote this. He was probably disappointed because his friend had forsaken him. Yet even though Paul was in prison, he was determined that he wasn’t going to let Demas’ betrayal hinder his work for the Lord.

Perhaps things are getting hard for you at work. Maybe you are feeling down because something you’ve always wanted to happen doesn’t seem to be happening. Whatever the case, don’t forsake the Lord! Instead, cling to Him now more than ever. Be honest with Him about what you are going through and ask for His help to face the rest of today.

Nothing is easier than fault-finding. – Unknown Author

Devotional by Dr. James A. Scudder