When it came to wannabes and sincere followers, Jesus spoke directly. There is no such thing as a part-time Christian. There are no weekend warriors in God’s army.
Such commitment, and it is distinct from all other aspects of our lives, assumes liability, and a willingness to take on the burdens which accompany such an undertaking. There will be persecution that comes with being a Christ-follower. There will be worldly and familial distractions. There will be the necessary denial of self and taking up our cross. There will be suffering as Christ suffered, the need to forgive as He forgave, to love as He loves, and there must be our pressing on and not looking back.