Counting the Cost - Parable

Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate (meaning willing to give up) his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’

“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
— Luke 14:25-33
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In the parable above, Jesus suggests that one must be willing to give up EVERYTHING they own and love if they want to be his apostle. Does this mean you have to do the same? No. You are not an apostle, but if you want to be a modern day apostle-equivalent, you would have to do the same and study in depth, the teachings of Jesus. Though all possessions would be gone, you would be left with the the ultimate and highest joy of doing the true work of Christ.
Jesus also suggests that before taking up your cross to follow him, you must be prepared to give up everything, because one does not follow the Lord half-hearted and unprepared. One must count the cost or risk looking foolish when returning home with little spiritual gain, no possessions, and much regret.
If you are not a modern-day apostle, what does this mean for you? Well, it gives you insight that the importance of possessions is diminished when following the Lord. Store up your treasures in Heaven by following the Lord's advice, not on earth by listening to what man says is important. It also teaches us that the Lord must be the head of your household so you and your family may understand the true blessings of Jesus.