Either we choose to be full-time disciples or we are not disciples at all. Nominal commitment has neither reality or value. We must love God most, and everything and everyone else less. Jesus tells us in no uncertain terms that, yes, the choice between discipleship and walking the other way is clear, but difficult, and we must count the cost ahead of time. We must indeed examine what we love, whom we love and how we love and then determine whether or not we are willing to put God at the top of that list, knowing that it might cost us everything.
Discipleship is about making that choice time and time again.
It is about following the person and life and work of Jesus. But of course, we are not able to live into the choice of discipleship without the grace and strength of God. Because, to paraphrase Jesus, discipleship is not for sissies. Discipleship is costly, it is risky and it is radical. Christianity, that is subscribing to the image of God revealed through Jesus Christ and living into the love required of us can never be described as conservative and safe.