They went forth for His name's sake

3 John 7
... they went forth for His name's sake ...


Doing things for God's name sake is an important part of ministry. The efforts and works that is done need to be for God, and not ourselves. Keeping in this in mind ensures that we are working for the right purpose not just to satisfy something within us. Ultimately we are created to worship God, all work for ourselves becomes irrelevant, the only work that matters is for Him

Fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ

Colossians 1:24
I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, 

Rejoicing in suffering is something unnatural for the normal or average person. The sound of someone rejoicing in their suffering brings confusion first, then perhaps a distaste. However, Paul has walked enough with God to know that suffering is not the important focus. Instead his goal was to empty himself and surrender to Messiah. Only then could he and can we live the way that God intended for us. It is in that state of surrender, then God will to mould us and use us for His Kingdom, which can mean to help others.