Lk9

"If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me." - Jesus  There is no doubt that Jesus expected His followers to actually leave everything and follow Him.  He was not interested in "occasional followers" or "happy believers", he actually expected "sacrificial followers"!

Verse 24 says, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it."  Clearly Jesus' expectation was an "all in" commitment.  Nothing short of "losing your life" would save it.  Jesus expected His disciples to abandon this world and to live for Him. Period.

Most believers today fail to understand this clear principle.  We live as though God exist to serve us. Most act as though His primary goal is our happiness.  This idea is not only NOT in the bible, it is antagonistic to a true relationship with Jesus.  Being a disciple of Jesus, requires giving our lives totally to His control.  Nothing short of that is true discipleship!

In the New Testament MOST actually walked away after considering the cost.  Jesus never reduced the expectation.  He did speak of the great gain to all who would actually lose everything to gain Him.  

Are you a true disciple?