The Christian's Motive in Life is "For Christ's Sake"
The Christian life is all about Christ.
What is your motivation in life?
‘For Christ’s sake’ is the motive, the great controlling motive in the life of the Christian. - Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount
Jesus spoke of those who were persecuted “for righteousness’ sake” (Matthew 5:10) and those who were spoken against “for My sake” (Matthew 5:11).
Suffering
Sometimes Christians suffer - but it isn’t “for Christ’s sake.” Peter reminded Christians that suffering for any reason isn’t cause to glorify God.
If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. (1 Peter 4:14-16)
There are some things a Christian ought not to suffer for - because they shouldn’t be doing those things!
Murderer.
Thief.
Evildoer.
Busybody (a meddler) in other people’s matters.
If you suffer for doing these things - don’t think your suffering glorifies God somehow because it does not.
However, if a Christian suffers for living as a Christian should - “for Christ’s sake” - you have no reason to be ashamed.
Live for Christ
The Christian motive in life should be to live for Christ.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
What is your motive in life?
Money?
Fame?
Power?
Those who belong to Christ should have Jesus as their life’s motive.