Experiencing Christ By Risking Our Soul
EXPERIENCING CHRIST
BY RISKING OUR SOUL
In Philippians Paul speaks not only of being like-souled, but also of risking our soul-life. He says of Epaphroditus that he risked his life, his soul, in order to fill up the lack of the Philip pians' service toward Paul. When we speak of Epaphroditus risking his soul, some may say that Paul's meaning here is that Epaphroditus did not love his physical life, but was willing to give it up for the sake of the Body of Christ. It is cer tainly true to say that Epaphroditus risked his physical life for the sake of the Body. However, this implies that he risked his soul.
MARTYRS FOR THE CHURCH LIFE
Years ago I read an article which said that before a believer can become a martyr, he must first have the attitude of a martyr. According to that article, every martyr has already been equipped with a certain attitude. Then when the time comes to be martyred, such a person can actually become a martyr by laying down his physical life. This principle applies to risking our soul in the church life. If we do not have the heart to sacrifice our mind, emotion, and will