For the Sake of Christ (#288 of 365+)

There was an unfortunate time in Church history when the layperson was oppressed by members of the clergy. The fear of being ostracized from the Church or being in danger of Hell fire kept the illiterate and misinformed in
submission. The Church made and enforced rules about everyday living, even regarding what people should eat on certain days or what words they were allowed speak. For example, phrases like “For Pete’s sake” or “For the love of Pete” substituted St. Peter’s name in place of “God” or “Christ” because the Church considered it blasphemous to use the Lord’s name that way (“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain” Exodus 20:7 KJV).

But notice what the apostle Paul said in the following verse. He used a phrase that would be forbidden by future leaders of the Catholic Church: “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Paul said, “For Christ’s sake.”

Of course, it’s important to understand the context in which he said that phrase. He wasn’t searching for an appropriate oath after suddenly hitting his thumb with a hammer. No, but it was still a reaction to pain. It was his soul’s welcoming response to affliction. By saying the phrase “For Christ’s sake” it was like Paul was saying a blessing or lifting up a praise offering. It showed his willingness to endure anything for the Lord who had endured much on his behalf.

Another response Paul used was “For the sake of the elect” or, basically, “For the sake of the body of Christ.”

“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory” (2 Timothy 2:10)

My reaction should be more like Paul’s when an unexpected trial hits, when there is uncertainty with employment, or if there is a problem with finances on the horizon. By thinking and saying “For Christ’s sake”—not as a curse or an oath but as a way of blessing others and submitting to God’s will —I’ll maintain the right perspective that will glorify my Lord as he continues to work all things together for good.

Father, for the sake of the elect and for your glory, transform my reactions and responses to pain into practical ways to worship you every day. Amen.