Hardly anyone in this world reconciles themselves to their conscience. Most people struggle even with the far easier task of reconciling to a fixed set of commandments. It is much harder to submit to one’s conscience in all things, with the understanding that this is God’s voice to you.
It is much easier to keep all or nothing rules than it is to actively apply principles. It is easier to always or never do something than it is to do it only when it benefits.
It is easier to make a one-time sacrifice than it is to make a sacrifice continually. When we make a one-time sacrifice—whether by obeying a fixed list of commandments or by making one big decision—we are dealing in the realm of what is completely known and expected. We only have to decide once, and what is right is obvious.
When we submit to continuous sacrifice, we see that everything is a case-by-case basis, that the unexpected lies around every corner, and that we can never let our guard down, take it easy, or rationalize sin “just this once.” The case-by-case nature of principles provides unlimited opportunity to be dishonest in small ways, rationalizing almost anything the person might want to do while pretending to still keep the principle.
The rich young ruler thought he wanted to follow God, but he was under the false understanding that he could do so merely by obeying a list of commandments. Jesus tested his willingness to make a one-time sacrifice by telling him to sell all he had and give it to the poor. He also invited him to make the continuous sacrifice of leaving his former life to follow Jesus full-time. The man failed both tests.
Those who are not willing to give everything in a one-time sacrifice--including all their wealth and even their lives--are without question unwilling to follow Jesus full-time. It is harder to obey Jesus daily than it is to obey him once.