I understand DesertKajun. I'm not sure if I could do it, but I sure hope I would!!! Jesus was not all sunshine and roses. Jesus could sometimes use harsh words and clear and short messages. He could use such harsh words that lots of his followers left him. Remember he had only twelve apostels in the end following him. The teachings are clear and decisive. There is no compromise, there's no common denominator, and no "deal" to be made with God.
Put him first, and make him your first choice is the teaching you can find in the bible.
Here's what Matthew chapter 10 says, and it doesn't surprise me
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.