‘For Jesus’ Sake’

‘For Jesus’ Sake’

For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.

II Corinthians 4:5

We have motives for everything we do. Those motives may be simple or complex, good or bad, high or low, or some combination of that. We want to behave from what are the best of motives. The Apostle Paul had arrived at what is the highest motive when he says, ‘for Jesus’ Sake.’ Let us apply this motive as we review the text which we have been considering. ‘We preach not ourselves…for Jesus’ sake.’ ‘We preach…Christ Jesus the Lord…for Jesus’ Sake.’  ‘We preach…ourselves your servants…for Jesus’ Sake.’ This becomes the high motive for life and ministry. There are other motives from which our deeds may arise, but they must all rank as lower order motives. Having said that, if we understand that what we do ‘for Jesus’ Sake,’ is the highest of motives, we may then apply it to every area of life. We live and love in our homes, ‘for Jesus Sake.’ We go to our work faithfully, do quality work, and are conscientious, ‘for Jesus’ Sake.’ We speak truth to others, ‘for Jesus’ Sake.’ We live holy lives, ‘for Jesus’ Sake.’ We can apply this motive to every area of life, and to all the activities within those areas. ‘Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God,’ to which we could add, ‘for Jesus’ Sake.’

Our most Gracious and Loving Savior,
We praise You that You are our Highest Motive.
We rejoice that You show us Yourself, on page after page,
and enable us to show You to others for Your Own Dear Sake.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning