Loose circular links of a chain

I saw loose circular links for a chain, with a choice to connect them or not, representing us choosing and being disciplined in our walk to be disciples of Jesus. Jesus talks about us taking up our cross to follow Him in the sense that there might be some negative repercussions in this world but it is so worth it as, by so doing, we do not lose or forfeit our very self which is so much more than the material aspects of our earthly body. (Matthew 16:24-26; Luke 9:23). In John 8:12 Jesus says "Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life".