The simplest ways it affects our lifestyle is through various unnoticed, near mundane aspects of our daily lives; shops closed on a Sunday (Sabbath), etc. This is how closely intertwined Christian lifestyle and the bible is. However, Mark’s Gospel is even more subtle in its structuring of the lifestyle of a Christian.
An adoption into the family of God has a definite affect on the lives of Christians. This joining of God’s family and commitment to do right also affects us profoundly. As the Catechism states, in accordance to my point;
1709. "He who believes in Christ becomes a son of God. This filial adoption transforms him by giving him the ability to follow the example of Christ. It makes him capable of acting rightly and doing good. In union with his Saviour, the DISCIPLE attains the perfection of charity which is holiness. Having matured in grace, the moral life blossoms into eternal life in the glory of heaven. "
The mission of the twelve, as mentioned in AO1, is still carried out by modern organisations like Christian Aid, CAFOD, and many others. But, even though we do things today, is there still a fundamental aspect of discipleship; COST? Many Christians today are not called to bear suffering, rejection and death in their discipleship in the name of God. However, for some, this sacrifice is very real. Thousands of Christians have suffered martyrdom for the faith, even in the last century hundreds of Christians, both clergy and laity, lost their lives in the Germany of the Third Reich. Many have been killed in political struggles in Africa, and are still persecuted in communist countries.
Some special martyrs include; Maximillian Kolbe, Dietrich Bonhoffer, Archbishop Romero. In essence, a Christian Disciple should be prepared to give up their life for the cause of Christianity, and this is a definite influence on lifestyle!
Finally, some supporting points. The word Disciple means “follower”; and as a Christian, people adjust heir lives to follow the teachings of Christ in the Gospel (going to Church on Sunday etc.). A disciple does the will of God and the fact that a person is Christian would most probably the will of the Lord! Disciples must be prepared to follow in the life of Jesus, even when this involves rejection, and death; and as discussed before, some Christians have done this and continue to do this. As a disciple, your nature should be one of servititude without rank and privilege, definitely affecting the lifestyle of individuals. Disciples should view the beliefs of others with respect, no matter what their own beliefs are. Finally, a disciple imitates the life of Christ, as we are called to do through the Sacraments.
To conclude, the affects of Discipleship on the average Christian lifestyle are many and varied in their properties, and their potential to grow in perfection with Christ.
