Gamblers For Christ

"He risked his life for the work of Christ."

What a commendation by the Apostle Paul speaking of Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:30. That Greek verb for risk, parabouleuomai, can be translated: "to play the gambler." And it's that word and the example set by Ephaphroditus that inspired the Parabolani Brotherhood, aka the Gamblers. The Parabolani Brotherhood were the members of a Christian brotherhood who in the Early Church voluntarily undertook the care of the sick and the burial of the dead when no one else wanted to do it. They gambled their lives by exposing themselves to contagious diseases and caring for the sick during the plagues.

Gambler for Christ. I like that terminology. I think it has an edge to it. And I think it's a reminder of our calling. While soldiers gambled for his clothing, Christ gambled his life on the cross for yours. And he didn't die just to keep us safe. He died to make us dangerous. What are you gambling for Christ? What risks are you taking to serve the cause of Christ?

You are not playing it safe, are you?