While Jesus was on earth, He taught many things about the Kingdom of God: its attributes, the behavior of its citizens, etc. As you contemplate becoming one of Jesus' disciples (followers, students), He teaches on counting the cost of your decision:

Luke 14:25-53 (KJV) - And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

The purpose of counting the cost is to ensure you will commit to completing your life as a disciple of Jesus - faithful to the end. There are many blessings for those who believe in Jesus, such as eternal life and abundant living, but the Christian (a follower of Jesus) life can also face some hardships. A Christian may face unjust persecutions, slander, false accusations, gossip, imprisonment, and even death for their belief in Jesus (Matthew 5:11-12; Luke 6:22-23; John 15:18-21; 2 Timothy 2:3-4, 2 Timothy 3:12-14; James 1:2-3).

You must consider these issues as you choose to place your faith in Jesus. NOTHING on this earth is worse than eternal separation from God!!

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