Luke 14:27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

If you play a sport you need to have a commitment to the sport.
Let’s take basketball for example.
You will need to listen to the coach and follow the instructions.
You need to work out and build up your speed and stamina.
Practice bouncing the ball and walking or running while doing it.
There is also practice shooting from different approaches to the net.
Then you need to also practice with the rest of the team and against an opponent.
This looks like it will take quite a bit of time out of your day to do all the practicing.
It will.
You will really need to commit yourself even more.
You have games to play at different locations, days, and times.
You may play a lot or sit on the bench a lot.
It will interfere with other activities.
You will come home tired.
You will have a few bumps and bruises.
You will win some and lose some.
But if you love the game it will all be worth it.
Jesus says you need commitment to be His disciple.
You need to take up the cross and follow Him.
It also takes listening to the coach (the Holy Spirit), reading your playbook (the Bible), building up stamina (prayer), coming to the team meetings (church), and facing opponents (sharing your faith with others).
It takes commitment to be a disciple but if you love God it will all be worth it.