[264 words]
One of the basic attitudes of this generation seems to be “What’s in it for me?” The entire premise of the life of Christ, however, was living for the sake of others. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 8:9, reminds us that for our sakes Christ left the riches of Heaven for the poverty of earth. The word “sake” is an old Anglo-Saxon term, “sach,” meaning cause or lawsuit. When we do something for someone’s sake, we do it for his best interest. Because of what Christ has done for our sakes, we are motivated to live for his sake.
For Christ’s sake we are to forgive one another. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us that we forgive others as God, for Christ’s sake, has forgiven us. The lesson here is simple: we forgive others, not because they always deserve it, but for the sake of Christ.
For Christ’s sake we serve one another. Paul refers to himself as a servant for Jesus’ sake (2 Corinthians 4:5). Sometimes our brothers and sisters are hard to serve. Sometimes we would prefer to promote our own welfare. But for Christ’s sake we will “bend down and wash their feet.”
For Christ’s sake we pray for one another. Paul urged the Romans to pray for him for Christ’s sake (Romans 15:30). We love one another only to the degree that we pray for one another. What a difference it would make in the Lord’s church if His people fervently prayed for one another.
Remember, the only life worth living is the one lived for the sake of Christ.
Ron Stough
via Hooker church of Christ
Hooker, OK