Many teachings on following Jesus are inspirational. They're about love, connecting with God, and experiencing life in new and "abundant" ways. But a serious reading of Jesus' teachings suggests that discipleship is a very high calling, and costly. In fact, it may end up costing you your life.

In the parable of the tower builder who runs out of money, and the king who goes to war with an insufficient army (from Luke 14), Jesus warns us, "Don't be that guy." Seriously consider what you're getting yourself into. Consider the very, very high bar that Jesus has set for those who wish to follow in his Way, and how high expectations are exactly what we need today.