When Jesus told the rich man to sell his possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow Him, the man suddenly realized that to gain what he wanted (eternal life) he had to lose what he had (riches). But the man's identity was wrapped up in his wealth and that's why he went away said. His identity was so deeply rooted in his possessions that He couldn't give that up to follow Jesus. The cross was too splintery.

If we are going to really follow Jesus, we need to experience a major identity crisis. An identity train wreck needs to happen, so that our identity is planted in the person and work of Jesus Christ.