The Need for Constant Renewal: What Would Make You Walk Away from God’s Calling?

Have you ever wondered what it would take to make you walk away from something you sincerely believed in? Not just something trivial—but something significant, something tied to your purpose and faith? Think about that for a moment. What would cause you to turn your back on a calling you once knew was from God?

For one man named Demas, we know the answer.

In 2 Timothy 4:10–11, Paul shares something painful, something personal: “Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.”

Imagine being Paul for a moment. He’s imprisoned, knowing his execution is close and the people he counted on have left. Demas wasn’t just a casual acquaintance—he was a coworker, a companion, someone Paul had trusted and relied on. Yet when the pressure mounted, Demas made his choice. He chose “the things of this life” over the work of Christ.

What makes this even more heartbreaking is that Demas didn’t start this way. He had been alongside Paul in ministry, mentioned in Colossians and Philemon as one of Paul’s trusted co-laborers. So, what happened? How did he go from being a fellow worker in the faith to someone who abandoned the mission?

And here’s the tough part to swallow: if it could happen to Demas, it could happen to us, too.

The Slow Drift Away

Demas didn’t wake up one morning and decide to bail on Paul. That’s not how it works for most of us, either. The truth is, most of us don’t fall away in one grand moment of failure. No, it’s more like a slow drift—a compromise here, a distraction there. Before we know it, our hearts are more tied to “this world” than to the calling we once knew so clearly.

When Paul says Demas left “because he loved this world,” it reminds me of something from 1 John 2:15: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” It’s not that Demas wanted something outright sinful; it’s just that something in this life became more important to him than his mission with Paul.

And isn’t that how it goes for us too? It’s rarely the blatant sins that pull us away. It’s the little things—comfort, security, a pursuit of stability—that start to take priority over our faith.

Paul tells us Demas went to Thessalonica. It’s possible he had friends or family there. In fact, tradition suggests it was his hometown. Maybe it was easier there, quieter, safer. Maybe he could blend in and not face the same dangers Paul was facing. And you know what? I get it. We all long for safety and comfort, especially when following Christ becomes costly.

But here’s the thing: the drift away from God’s work rarely happens all at once. It starts in the heart long before it shows up in our actions.

How to Guard Your Heart Against Drifting

I want to be honest with you. None of us are immune to this. Even the strongest, most faithful Christians can experience a drift if we’re not intentional. But here’s the good news: we can protect ourselves. There are ways we can guard our hearts and stay faithful to the work God has given us. Let me share with you what I’ve learned.

1. Build Habits That Keep You Close to Christ

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to procrastinate? We put off that important task because we don’t feel motivated. But I’ve discovered that motivation often comes after we start taking action, not before.

Think of your spiritual life the same way. Sometimes, the hardest part is just starting—praying, reading your Bible, or getting involved in ministry. But once you take that first step, the momentum builds. It’s like working out: the most challenging part is showing up, but once you’re there, it gets easier.

So, what small habit can you build today that will anchor you in your faith? Maybe it’s five minutes of prayer each morning. Perhaps it’s reading a single chapter of Scripture before bed. The key is consistency. Small, consistent actions will keep you close to God and protect your heart from drifting.

2. Keep Investing in What Matters

Demas loved this world. He stopped investing in his spiritual mission and started investing in something else. The truth is our hearts follow what we invest in. If we invest our time, energy, and focus on the things of this world—whether it’s our careers, our comfort, or even good things like family—it’s easy for our love for God’s work to fade.

But when we invest in God’s kingdom—when we give our best to our relationship with Christ and the mission He’s given us—our hearts stay connected. So, ask yourself: where are you investing your time, energy, and resources? Are you pouring yourself into what truly matters?

3. Don’t Go It Alone

We’re not meant to walk this journey alone. Even Paul, in his darkest moments, had people with him. Luke was still there, and Paul called Mark, the same man who had once deserted him but was now considered “profitable” for ministry.

We all need a Luke in our lives—someone who sticks with us through thick and thin. And we all need to be a Luke for someone else. Isolation is dangerous. When we’re alone, we’re more vulnerable to discouragement, doubt, and the temptation to give up. So stay connected. Stay in community with other believers who will encourage you, pray for you, and hold you accountable.

4. Live with Purpose and Intention

It’s easy to drift when you’re unclear where you’re headed. But when you live with a sense of purpose and know what God has called you to, you’re far less likely to walk away. This doesn’t mean you have to know every detail of the future, but it does mean living intentionally.

What’s your mission right now? What has God placed in front of you? Maybe it’s serving in your church, mentoring someone, or being faithful in your daily walk with Christ. Whatever it is, lean into it with all your heart.

5. Keep Growing in Your Relationship with God

Demas’ heart drifted because his relationship with God had likely grown cold. And that’s a risk we all face. When our relationship with Christ becomes routine, we’re in danger of drifting away.

That’s why it’s so important to keep growing. Don’t let your walk with God become stale. Challenge yourself. Stretch your faith. Keep your spiritual life fresh by pushing yourself just outside your comfort zone. Do something that keeps you growing, whether it’s trying a new way of studying Scripture, praying more intensely, or stepping out in faith in an area that scares you.

Don’t Drift. Stay the Course.

I don’t know where you are today. Maybe you’re feeling strong in your faith and ministry, or perhaps you’re starting to feel the pull of the world like Demas did. But wherever you are, let me encourage you: don’t drift. Stay the course. God has called you to something far greater than this world can offer.

The truth is, every one of us is at risk of drifting if we’re not careful. But with intentional habits, the right support, and a heart that stays focused on Christ, we can remain faithful to the work He’s given us.

So, what will you choose today? Will you choose the world, or will you choose to stay with Christ, even when it’s hard? The choice is yours, and it will shape not just your life but your eternity.