Being Counted

Two speeches this week have put Christian identity in the spotlight.
First Baroness Warsi, the only Muslim member of the present Cabinet, speaking in Rome to Vatican officials, highlighted the role of confident Christians (possibly code for involved Roman Catholics) in providing a stable and tolerant society.
The next evening, at Lambeth Palace, our Queen started her Jubilee events by drawing attention to the benefits deriving from the established position of the Church of England.
Both women celebrated the role of Christians in the public sphere. Our faithful presence counts and makes a difference.
The contrasting reality is that many of our brothers and sisters are fearful of being identified. It takes some courage to be be known and respected as a faithful Christ-follower.  I have known many times the crippling desire to be an invisible Christian, just in case I was mocked or thought to be 'uncool'.
Jesus spoke powerfully of the consequences of our being his followers. 'Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.' (Mark 8.34)
Part of the cost of being a disciple of Jesus is that we are willing to be counted as one of His followers. That does have a price tag. Being unwilling to be known as one of His followers also has a price tag! 'If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8.38)
Today, some of our young people are going away on the Youth Weekend. Please pray that they and we will learn how to live for Jesus in private and public, so that He is glorified.
Best wishes,
Richard