Are You Willing to Take a Risk?
January 6th, 2008I ran across the following story in Beyond the First Visit by Gary L. McIntosh:
The bubonic plague terrorized the city of Carthage, North Africa in AD 252. People died all over the city. Due to the stench of death and disease, people resisted helping one another. No one wanted to contract the illness, so they isolated themselves.
There was a dedicated church in the city that committed to caring for people. They invested in the people of Carthage and came to their rescue. These people chose to lay down their lives in the face of the plague to save some from the terrible disease. They referred to themselves as the “Risk Takers.”
They followed the daring example of Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-27). As a result of their loving acts of kindness, they made a lasting impact on the entire city. Carthage was saved by the “Risk Takers.”
The third century “Risk Takers” truly risked everything for the good of others. They risked their health and literally, their lives. Yet, they were greatly successful.
We may not be called to go to a plague-infested city. We are called to the risky business of serving others. We risk being infected by the “world virus.” We risk taking our eyes off of Jesus. We risk comfort and security — all for others.
Are you willing to take the risks? Are you willing to put yourself on the line for others? Aren’t you glad Jesus and his disciples were willing?
Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene
