Being a whole-life disciple in Britain today may come at great cost to Christians', says Nigel Hopper of the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity. The lecturer in contemporary culture said the recent ruling against Christian B&B owners Peter and Hazelmary Bull raised the question of how Christians are to live out their faith in the context of a society where that faith is not shared by everyone. ‘It is a reminder, if one is needed, that it’s all too easy to talk up the ‘adventure,’ or the ‘journey’ of discipleship, and make no mention of the cost of discipleship,’ said Hopper. However, he added that the ruling alluded to the possibility of a greater cost for Christians of giving up their jobs if they cannot reconcile its legal obligations with the obligations they feel to their faith. He encouraged the church to look to the example of the first Christians and their obedience to God rather than people.
Pray: for a greater awareness by the Church of the need to support as well as disciple its members. (Job.4:4)